A 2009 coder’s resource checklist

Why This Topic Matters

Annual code-set and policy updates can affect how practices maintain templates, fee schedules, reference files, and compliance resources. The article is useful for teams that need a concise checklist of where to look for current coding and audit guidance without missing important administrative updates.

Article Sections

1. New procedure codes

   Review of annual procedure code updates and where practices are directed to confirm current code-set availability.

2. New ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes

   Discussion of diagnosis code update timing and the importance of checking current diagnosis coding guidance.

3. Templates, "cheat sheets," superbills

   Checklist item focused on reviewing office forms and reference materials for updated code numbers.

4. Fee schedules

   Overview of payer fee schedule updates and the Medicare fee schedule reference cited in the article.

5. Relative value file

   Description of the Medicare relative value resource and the types of billing information it contains at a high level.

6. CCI policy updates

   Coverage of annual national coding policy manual updates and related bundling guidance resources.

7. OIG audit plans

   Summary of the Office of Inspector General’s annual work plan as a compliance and audit-planning resource.

8. More government audit findings

   Pointer to additional OIG guidance materials, including fraud alerts and related publications.

9. AMA code updates

   Reminder to monitor AMA resources for ongoing CPT-related updates and other code-set changes during the year.