By Kristen Brady
As a member of the staff
might help with coding, the healthcare professional — who’s accountable to his
government, as well as additional payers — have to assess the codes for
accuracy before submitting them for any billing. Be on the lookout for the following
red flags within your practice’s habits of coding:
- Lack of specificity about what you’re reviewing.
- Use of shorthand or symbols (Make certain that you have lists of what the shorthand or symbols mean in the office. Any negative symbols that don’t have elaboration aren’t considered enough documentation).
- Use of terms like “rule out,” “probably,” “perhaps,” or “maybe” rather than symptoms and signs.
- Missing doctor signatures for test and/or lab results ordered by the doctor assistant, physician, or nurse practitioner.
- Upcoding on chronic, stable conditions.
- Coding level 5 services, not preventive medicine codes for yearly physicals.
- Excess code use.
- Inside a group setting, inconsistent coding amongst partners and providers.
Here is how having
Leading Management Solutions conduct occasional coding accuracy audits assists
your healthcare organization:
- Serves as teaching tool for employees
- Allows you to better manage staff
- Improves accuracy of medical records
- Ensures that you’re updated with coding regulations and rules
- Identifies if you’re leaving money on table
- Keeps you from going to jail and/or paying fines
- Assists with compliance with OIG regulations
Leading Management
Solutions is currently offering a $250 discount on our Full Practice Audit service. At the end of our
one-week Full Practice Audit, you will receive a comprehensive, easy-to-read
report detailing how your practice performs in the areas of: Operations,
Strategic Planning, Human Resources, Billing and Coding Practices, Finances,
Risk and Compliance Management, Safety of Patient Care, IT infrastructure,
Patient-Centered Care, and Revenue Diversification. This service includes a
Coding Audit, as well as a review of your practice's financial statements with
our CPA.
We are also offering our
e-Assessment (Virtual Full Practice Audit) at a lower price.
Leading Management Solutions helps medical practice leaders identify ways to
improve operations to increase revenue, employee engagement, and patient
satisfaction. Learn more about us at www.lmshealthpro.com.
About the Author:
Kristen Brady is the
founder and owner of Kaboom Social Media, your social media marketing
and content specialists! Follow her on Twitter: @kb54927
