Laboratory Question for the Week of April 3, 2017
MedLearn Publishing
April 6, 2017
What kind of lab tests will be included in the new CPT® section on propriety lab analyses (PLAs)?
What kind of lab tests will be included in the new CPT® section on propriety lab analyses (PLAs)?
What is the purpose of the Medicare CERT program?
Does Medicare have any guidance for assigning modifier QF (prescribed amount of oxygen is greater than 4 LPM and portable oxygen is prescribed)?
I have been assigning the following codes for contrast-enhanced liver ultrasound:
76705 Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; limited (e.g., single organ, quadrant, follow-up)
Q9950 Injection, perflexane lipid microspheres, per ml
However, I was just told that I should be reporting C9744 (ultrasound, abdominal, with contrast) instead. Is this correct?
Does Medicare cover the IVIG drug Bivigam?
What is the difference between a presumptive lab test and a definitive lab test?
If a temporary pacemaker lead is inserted during a diagnostic heart cath, is it appropriate to charge for this lead placement if the patient does not leave the procedure room with it (the pacemaker lead)?
Could an innovative model being used in Minnesota, Colorado, Nevada, and elsewhere across the nation be an answer for the more than 60 million rural
In our last article, we discussed trends in inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) audits and a noticeable increase in scrutiny of therapy services, particularly the intensity
The term “death panel” entered the political lexicon in 2009, during the contentious debate over the federal government’s role in healthcare. It has lingered in
I recently attended the Health Care Compliance Association’s (HCCA) Compliance Institute (March 25-29, 2017) in National Harbor, MD, where healthcare compliance experts gathered to discuss
In our last article, we discussed trends in inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) audits and a noticeable increase in scrutiny of therapy services, particularly the intensity
Federal auditors are intensifying their focus on inpatient psychiatric facilities, using advanced data analytics to spotlight outliers and pursue high‑dollar repayments. In this high‑impact webcast, Michael Calahan, PA, MBA, Compliance Officer and V.P., Hospital & Physician Compliance, breaks down what regulators are really targeting in IPF-PPS admissions, documentation, treatment and discharge planning. Attendees will learn practical steps to tighten processes, avoid common audit triggers and protect reimbursement and reduce the risk of multimillion-dollar repayment demands.
In this timely session, Stacey Shillito, CDIP, CPMA, CCS, CCS-P, CPEDC, COPC, breaks down the complexities of Medical Decision Making (MDM) documentation so providers can confidently capture the true complexity of their care. Attendees will learn practical, efficient strategies to ensure documentation aligns with current E/M guidelines, supports accurate coding, and reduces audit risk, all without adding to charting time.
Join Ronald Hirsch, MD, FACP, CHCQM for The PEPPER Returns – Risk and Opportunity at Your Fingertips, a practical webcast that demystifies the PEPPER and shows you how to turn complex claims data into actionable insights. Dr. Hirsch will explain how to interpret key measures, identify compliance risks, uncover missed revenue opportunities, and understand new updates in the PEPPER, all to help your organization stay ahead of audits and use this powerful data proactively.
Stay ahead of the 2026-2027 audit surge with “Top 10 Audit Targets for 2026-2027 for Hospitals & Physicians: Protect Your Revenue,” a high-impact webcast led by Michael Calahan, PA, MBA. This concise session gives hospitals and physicians clear insight into the most likely federal audit targets, such as E/M services, split/shared and critical care, observation and admissions, device credits, and Two-Midnight Rule changes, and shows how to tighten documentation, coding, and internal processes to reduce denials, recoupments, and penalties. Attendees walk away with practical best practices to protect revenue, strengthen compliance, and better prepare their teams for inevitable audits.
Gain clarity and confidence in OB‑GYN coding with this expert‑led webcast featuring Stacey Shillito, CDIP, CPMA, CCS, CCS‑P, CPEDC, COPC. You’ll learn how to apply global maternity package rules accurately, select the right CPT codes for procedures and visits, and identify documentation gaps that lead to denials. With practical guidance and real examples, this session helps you strengthen compliance, reduce audit risk, and ensure accurate reimbursement for women’s health services.
Uncover essential coding insights with nationally recognized coding authority Kay Piper, RHIA, CDIP, CCS. Through ICD10monitor’s interactive, on‑demand webcast series, Kay walks you through the AHA’s 2026 ICD‑10‑CM/PCS Quarterly Coding Clinics, translating each update into practical, easy‑to‑apply guidance designed to sharpen precision, ensure compliance, and strengthen day‑to‑day decision‑making. Available shortly after each official release.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s fourth quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s third quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
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