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Does HHS rule spell end of medical faxes? Not quite, experts say

04/06/2026

A new administrative simplification rule from CMS may finally spell an end to a longstanding, and arguably outdated, method of communication — fax machines. But the fine print suggests that the phase-out may take a while.

Start review of ultrasound AAA requirements with diagnosis codes

04/06/2026

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

A recent change request serves as a reminder to review guidelines for the preventive ultrasound abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. This service can save a patient’s life, but the strict requirements make it ripe for mistakes and medical necessity denials.

Remind surgeons that NCCI rules for post-op pain management still apply

04/06/2026

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

Question: I work for a group of surgeons that wants to start billing for post-operative pain blocks. For example, a transversus abdominis plane block (64486-64489) for hernia repair or an intercostal block (64420-64421) for post-mastectomy pain. In the past they’ve asked the anesthesiologist to perform the service, but they claim that they can bill Medicare under a new rule designed to reduce the use of prescription opioids to manage post-operative pain. Is that correct?

Fixate on fracture coding: Follow documentation to ensure accuracy

04/06/2026

by: DecisionHealth staff

For CPT and ICD-10-CM coding of fracture treatment, coders — particularly those in orthopedic practices — need to identify several vital pieces of information from the physician’s note. Ensure you are incorporating key pieces of information and other tips to guarantee accurate coding of fracture treatment.

Physician associate E/M claims are up, buoyed by high-level codes

04/06/2026

by: Roy Edroso

After several years of decline, E/M office visit utilization increased across the board in 2024, and claims submitted by physician associates (formerly known as physician assistants) not only kept pace with the rate of recovery but exceeded it.

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