New codes, new guidelines! This 2021 ACS surgical coding course sifts through all that is new and important in general surgery coding. Real-life cases and discussions that link clinical scenarios to the selection of CPT codes make this course ideal for both surgeons and their coding staff. This course is rich with clinical scenarios and a comprehensive workbook that will become your first-response coding resource.
The course provides in-depth and interesting instruction on coding for colorectal, endoscopy, bariatric, hernia, appendix, gall bladder, skin, and endocrine coding. It also addresses why documentation is as essential as the code selected, and how to capture all potential revenue by improving your notes. You will learn the correct way to use surgical modifiers to optimize payment and learn techniques for setting up systems that reduce denials and increase appeal success.
The ACS designates this on-demand enduring activity for a maximum of 6.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Of the AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ listed above, a maximum of 6.25 credits meet the requirements for Self-Assessment.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this course, participants will be able to:
- Distinguish different categories of codes and how payment differs
- Describe what is included in a global surgical package and what can be reported separately
- Distinguish what surgical modifier to report
- Describe documentation requirements for unlisted codes
- Demonstrate correct coding and documentation for radiology services
- Describe coding for different surgical approaches
- Identify when to report mesh and reinforcement implants
- Demonstrate correct coding for a variety of general surgery procedures
What's on the Agenda
Definition Kick-off
- The basics: defining coding vs. reimbursement
- Types of codes: primary, add-on, Category III
- What is a "separate procedure" per CPT?
The Global Surgical Package
- What's included in the global package and what can be separately reported?
- Deconstructing the global payment: surgical splits, RVUs, and physician time
Surgeon Role Modifiers
- Co-Surgery vs. Assistant: Are you reporting these correctly?
- Payor expectations for co-surgery and assistant surgery documentation.
- Reimbursement: Difference between co-surgeon and assistant surgeon
Same-Day Procedure Modifiers
- Modifier 22: What justifies modifier 22 and how to increase your changes of payment?
- Modifier 50: Which procedures accept a bilateral modifier?
- Modifier 52 vs. 53: What is the difference and how are they used in general surgery?
- Modifier 51 vs. 59: How do you know which one to use? How does reimbursement differ for each?
Modifiers for Additional Procedures Performed during the Global Surgical Period
- Modifier 58: Documenting staged procedures: Do they always need to be preplanned? What about repeating a resection after pathology shows more margins?
- Modifier 79: What defines an unrelated procedure? Is a different diagnosis essential?
- Modifier 78: Does this apply to in-office procedures? How do I report in-office treatment of postoperative complications?
Revenue Optimization; Charge Entry Tips of the Trade
Strategic Appeals; Charge Entry Tips of the Trade
Documentation for Unlisted Procedures
- How to report and get paid
- Template letter for reporting unlisted codes
- Case scenarios
Surgical Coding and Documentation
Radiology Coding and Documentation for Surgeons
- Fluoroscopy and ultrasound: Is a separate report required? What about intraoperative imaging?
- Documenting imaging with central lines: fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or both?
Surgical Approaches and Code Selection: Percutaneous vs. Open vs. Laparoscopic—Does It Matter?
Coding for Robotic Assistance
- Using the HCPCS code
- Setting a fee and getting paid
Hernia Surgery
- Hiatal/paraesophageal hernias: Type 1, 2, 3, 4
- Open/laparoscopic hernia repair
- Reporting mother procedures with hernia codes—CPT rules vs. payor realities
- Reporting mesh placement
- Reporting mesh removal; infected and non-infected mesh
- Component separation release/abdominal reconstruction
- Case scenarios
Abdominal Reconstruction/Component Separation
- Documentation imperatives
- Myocutaneous flaps vs. Rives Stoppa
All About Implants
- Biological vs. non-biological: Knowing which to report
Endoscopy Overview
- General concepts in endoscopy coding: Completion endoscopy—billable or not?
- Moderate sedation: Are you documenting enough?
- Upper GI endoscopy overview
- Colonoscopy—Sigmoidoscopy vs. colonoscopy: How far is far enough?
- Case scenarios
Colorectal Surgery
- Approach matters: Laparoscopic vs. open
- What's the difference between colostomy and coloproctostomy? A sigmoid colectomy and a low-pelvic anastomosis?
- Total and subtotal colectomy: Is there a difference?
- Stoma creation, revision, and closure
- Case scenarios
Appendix Surgery
- Lap vs. open
- Laparoscopic repair of a rupture appendix
- Case scenarios
Gallbladder and Liver Surgery
- Cholecystectomy: When can a cholangiogram be separately reported?
- Liver biopsy: Percutaneous vs. open
- Liver resections: How many hepatectomies (47120) are too many?
- Case scenarios
Breast Procedures
- New guidelines for mastectomy procedure coding
- Breast biopsy: Percutaneous, incisional, and excisional
- Sentinel node mapping and excision
- Lymph node dissection: How does this change coding?
- Mastectomy coding: Lumpectomy, simple and radical mastectomies
- Reporting closures and local advancement flaps
- Can placement of a marker in a lumpectomy cavity be reported?
- Case scenarios
Pancreatic Resection
- Whipple procedures
- Other pancreatic resections
- Intra-abdominal vein reconstruction in abdominal procedures
Intra-Abdominal Lesion Codes
- What can be separately reported?
- Coding HIPEC and getting paid?
Endocrine Surgery
- Thyroid
- Parathyroid
- Adrenal