ASGE Recommends Widening Scope for GI Screenings

I'm not sure how this will affect insurance carriers.

via AAPC News by renee on 6/11/10

New guidelines from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) back the American College of Gastroenterology's recently updated practice guidelines for colorectal cancer screening in African Americans beginning at age 45. Other minority groups, such as Hispanics and Native Americans, also are recommended for early detection. "… every effort should be made to increase the availability of screening tests" in these groups, [...]

Physicians’ Medicare Pay Rates Cut 21 Percent

via AAPC News by renee on 6/11/10

The U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate were unable to resolve their differences in the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loop Holes Act of 2010 (Tax Extenders bill) in time to further delay a 21.3 percent negative update to Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians. The long anticipated pay cut went into effect June 1, [...]

New AMA Health Insurer Report Card Finds Need For More Accuracy

New AMA Health Insurer Report Card Finds Need For More Accuracy

via American Medical Association News on 6/13/10

Eliminating health insurer errors could amount to $15.5 billion in savings.

Medicare will hold physician claims through June 17

Medicare will hold physician claims through June 17

via American Medical News on 6/14/10

CMS extends the hold that was due to end June 14 in an effort to avoid reprocessing claims after Congress acts on a payment patch.

UNC Coders: Join the Coder Blitz

UNC coders and Claims Reps, welcome to the Coder's Query! I invite you to join me at our Coder Blitz which is being planned for August 3rd and 4th from 8:30am to 12:00pm on. There will be four presentations per day. Multiple CEU's will be given. We have a great group of coders who have done a wonderful job of researching their specialties to include in their presentations. Join me for the Coder Blitz and learn a little about coding other specialties

I'm starting this blog for Medical Coders to query on coding and medical documentation issues. It is intended for coders to share questions and answers, problems and queries on all sorts of coding issues. Look for more information soon.