In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, efficient revenue cycle management is paramount to the financial success of organizations. The complexities of revenue cycle management often present challenges that hinder the streamlined operation of healthcare facilities. As a contract coder with extensive experience, I frequently encounter situations where organizations could significantly enhance their revenue cycle management processes, either by efficiently utilizing their internal staff or contract coders. In this article, we'll delve into the issues organizations face within their revenue cycle and explore practical solutions.

When you hear the phrase note bloat what do you think? I start envisioning a note that resembles a blown-up balloon ready to burst. Now that's a funny thought! But that's not really what it is. Note bloat happens when a medical document is overflowing with information that is not necessary for the treatment of the patient on a given date of service.

Wow! Where should I begin? If you have been in healthcare for any length of time, you are aware that there are many “interpretive differences” in how coding and instructional guidelines are applied. While most of the differences are between CMS and CPT, other payers and Medicare Advantage plans may choose to develop contractual agreements which side with CMS and/or CPT depending upon the situation.

Surgical lumbar decompression is a procedure that is commonly performed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves in the lower back. This is typically recommended for individuals who are experiencing chronic back pain, numbness, or weakness due to conditions such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disc. Selecting the correct CPT for these types of procedures is determined not only by approach, but by the diagnosis the patient presents with. In this blog post, we’ll explore the coding options for the lumbar region from a posterior approach. We’ll begin by breaking down the basic mechanics of these procedures before diving deeper into the applicable codes and guidelines.