Part B News | Part B News

Use expert answers to improve hospital E/M documentation, coding

01/30/2023

Train staff on the new guidelines for inpatient and observation visits, effective Jan. 1, 2023, with answers from an AMA official who oversaw the landmark revisions to the level-based E/M codes.

Study suggests NPs in the ED cause care concerns. Not everyone agrees.

01/30/2023

by: Roy Edroso

A paper questioning the quality and efficacy of care by nurse practitioners (NP) in emergency departments is generating a good deal of press, as well as pushback from advocates for the growing role of non-physician providers in the U.S.

Take note of 4 major deletions in the 2023 NCCI manual

01/30/2023

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

Medicare makes it easy to spot additions to the annual National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) manual — new language is printed in red font. However, Medicare doesn’t flag information that has been deleted, revised or moved and Part B News found several notable deletions when it compared each chapter of the 2022 NCCI manual to the 2023 NCCI manual.

Sued for ransomware attack? Hacked health system hit with class action claim

01/30/2023

by: Roy Edroso

A patient has brought a class action suit against a health system, claiming its negligence led to the breach of privacy and potential harm for which the plaintiff seeks damages — an ominous sign for practices in a time of rising ransomware attacks.

Birmingham billing company pays more than $150,000 to settle fraud allegations

01/30/2023

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

Providers are responsible for the claims they submit, but a $153,300 settlement paid by a billing company is a reminder that a practice management company risks disruptive investigations, bad publicity and costly settlements if it is accused of submitting fraudulent claims for a provider.

Lots of losers, though few standouts, in 2023 winners-and-losers code tally

01/30/2023

by: Roy Edroso

The Part B professional fee payment for the delayed creation of an exit site for an embedded catheter (49436) has increased 185.8% in 2023, making it the biggest gainer among the codes covered by the Medicare physician fee schedule that went into effect January 1.

Login

User Name:
Password:
Remember me Forgot password
Welcome to the new Part B News Online. If you are a returning user having trouble logging in, please click here.