Coding Hotline

Experts agree that correct coding may be the single most important area for practice improvement. However, keeping up with the constant changes in claims coding and billing rules can be costly and time-consuming. The American College of Surgeons as a part of its ongoing endeavor to support its Fellows has established a coding consultation service hotline.

Confirmation of ACS Membership is required to obtain Hotline assistance. The hotline staff will ask that Members give their Fellowship identification number when calling the hotline. Hotline services are provided and measured in Consultation Units (hereinafter referred to as a "CU"). One CU is a period of up to ten minutes. ACS Members are given five (5) free consultation units in 12-month increments. Unused “CU’s” are not rolled over into the next 12-month period. More than one “CU” may be required during a single session. If needed members may purchase additional “CU’s” in packages of three for $60.00.

The hours of operation are 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time, Monday through Friday, holidays excluded. Calls will be returned within 24 hours. Answers to coding questions are provided verbally over the phone including operative note questions. If it is necessary to submit an operative note for review it must be pre-coded. Review is based on time (average time required is 3 “CU’s” or more). Submitted operative reports may require up to 7-10 days for review. If the answer to your problem is not readily available, the question will be referred to research, which may take up to 7-10 working days.

To access a coding specialist call the ACS Coding Hotline at 800-ACS-7911 (800-227-7911).

Advocacy and Health Policy