decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2009 Issue 3 (March)
Benefit from new codes approved for performance in ASCs
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article covers Medicare and CMS guidance for ambulatory surgery center billing, with a focus on pain management procedures and 2009 ASC payment updates. It is useful for coders, physicians, and ASC billing staff who need to understand the kinds of services included in ASC payment, the broader reimbursement framework, and where related bills should be directed when services are not packaged into ASC facility payment. The piece also references CMS background materials and official resources for reviewing approved ASC procedures and fee schedule information.
Why This Topic Matters
ASC billing rules can affect whether a service is payable, how it is reimbursed, and which entity should receive the claim. Understanding the CMS-approved ASC procedure list and related payment guidance helps avoid denied claims and billing errors.
Article Sections
-
New codes approved for ASC performance
Introduces the article’s focus on recently added and revised procedure codes relevant to ambulatory surgery center billing. It frames the discussion around pain management services and Medicare ASC approval.
-
ASC billing rules and exclusions
Summarizes general differences between office, hospital, and ASC billing. It also outlines broad categories of services that are not billable in an ASC setting.
-
Some background
Provides background on what qualifies as an ASC and how the facility fits into Medicare payment structure. It also discusses changes that took effect with the 2008 ASC payment overhaul.
-
Guidance from CMS
Describes CMS fact sheet guidance related to ASC payment amounts and reimbursement handling for services outside ASC payments. This section points readers to official CMS resources.
-
Items or Services Not Included in ASC Payments
Presents an overview of service categories that are excluded from ASC payment and identifies the general billing destination for each category. The section is formatted as a reference chart.
What You Will Learn
- How CMS frames ambulatory surgery center payment updates for pain management services
- What kinds of services are generally addressed in ASC billing guidance
- How ASC payment guidance relates to excluded services and separate billing pathways
- Where to find official CMS and ASC association resources for payment schedule information
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- ASC billing staff
- Pain management physicians
- Practice managers
- Revenue cycle staff
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com