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AUDIOCONFERENCE ON TAPE OR CD

Sponsored by Briefings on APCs

presented on March 13, 2007

Are you losing half the reimbursement you're entitled to for interventional radiology procedures? It's possible, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Interventional radiology continues to be a particularly challenging specialty for HIM/coding departments. Difficult anatomy, complex physician operative reports and confusing documentation, as well as the need to report as many as six or seven codes per procedure are just some of the obstacles.

During this intermediate-level program, our expert speakers walk you through coding guidelines, show you how to append codes with the appropriate modifiers, and explain what you need to do to avoid denied claims and successfully appeal inappropriate denials.

They use case studies and actual operative reports to demonstrate the right—and wrong—ways to code records for appropriate reimbursement for both facility and physician claims.

If you don’t understand coding guidelines, you can't issue proper bills. Don't take chances with your reimbursement and compliance.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR AGENDA

1. Guidelines for interventional radiology
2. New code for 2007: Uterine fibroid embolization
3. Billing for different components of diagnostic studies—including case studies
1. Review of interventional radiology anatomy and diagrams
2. Catheter position placements/imaging guidelines
3. Proper coding of diagnostic studies
4. Procedural coding, including:

• Angioplasties
• Atherectomies
• Stent insertions
• Embolizations
• Other problematic procedures

4. Correct coding initiative (CCI) edits, including the proper—and improper—applications of modifiers -59, -LT, and -RT
1. Physician billing
2. Facility billing

A question and answer session follows the presentation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of the audioconference, you will be able to:

1. explain the key billable components of interventional procedures, including catheter placement and diagnostic imaging as well as angioplasty, atherectomy, stent, and embolization
2. discuss the proper and improper applications of modifiers and how they relate to the correct coding initiative
3. determine how to best decipher physician documentation and how to identify when it’s necessary to query for clarification
4. illustrate how to prevent inappropriate denials and how to be ready to appeal them

FEATURED SPEAKER

Jim Collins, CPC, CHCC, ACS-CA, is president of The Cardiology Coalition.  He directs the firm's compliance and revenue enhancement services, writes the highly acclaimed Cardiology Coalition Member Newsletter, and develops each of the organization's online coder proficiency tests. Mr. Collins has over 14 years of experience working closely with physicians to achieve optimum profitability and regulatory compliance. He limits his practice to cardiology and is a nationally recognized expert in each of the cardiology sub-specialties.

Yvonne Hoiland, CCS-P, CPC-H, RCC, CPC, PMCCI, is an instructor and senior consultant for Coding Continuum, Inc. in Tucson, AZ. She conducts audits and operational assessments; provides education to coders, clinicians, and ancillary personnel; and works on litigation matters on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. She is a nationally recognized expert in interventional coding, and provides coding expertise at local, state, and national conferences, including AHIMA and AAPC.

BONUS MATERIAL INCLUDED IN YOUR MATERIAL PACKET!

In addition to the expertise shared by the speakers and a materials package containing the slide presentation, you will also receive:

• A set of anatomical drawings
• Coding and audit tool for interventional radiology procedures
• Billing guides for arterial placement and sequential interventions from The Cardiology Coalition
• Applicable articles from HCPro publications

These materials are provided with PDF links.

WHO SHOULD LISTEN?

Coding and billing professionals in hospitals and physician practices, HIM manages and staff, chargemaster coordinators, compliance officers and auditors. Physicians and radiology technicians may also find the program to be beneficial.

Purchase a tape or CD of the program and listen when you can. It's also a perfect training tool for new staff or as a refresher for veteran staff.

• Audioconferences

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