I was out in the backyard yesterday, putting out some suet and seed for the birds and noticed the new lilac buds turning green, the first sign of Spring! My heart thrilled at the idea of emerging flowers, the sweet songs of birds and warmer weather.
Just like the changing seasons, the field of medical coding is ever changing. As we rapidly move from volume based reimbursement methodologies to value based methodologies, it is important to keep up with the changes.
I have just finished updating my Helpful Websites page and wanted you to know in case you need access to updated resources, most of which are free. Sometimes when we are coding, we need to check coding guidelines, bundling rules, relative value units (RVUs) or global days. And not all of us can afford a coding application or encoder, software which provides those resources in one bundled product. I think that you will find the links incredibly helpful when doing research, investigating claim denials and when filing appeals.
You will also find links to the most current payment methodologies for risk adjustment (Medicare Advantage [CMS-HCC] and commercial [HHS-HCC]), the Quality Payment Program (QPP) under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and much more. Please feel free to share this with your colleagues who might also find this information helpful.
Spring will be here before we know it. As will this transition from volume to value. Are you ready?
