7 coding tips for 2017: Find success with a coding roadmap

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand which 2017 coding changes may affect day-to-day claims workflows and payer review, especially where CPT and HCPCS guidance did not align immediately.

Article Sections

1. Chronic care management (CCM) grows – and gets easier

   Discusses updates affecting chronic care management reporting and administrative handling for the new year. The section also addresses higher-level care management services.

2. Most practices will be excluded from certain behavioral health integration (BHI) services

   Covers behavioral health integration updates and the relationship to collaborative care model requirements. It also notes a more general behavioral health care management option.

3. New CPT mammography codes introduced – but continue to report G codes

   Reviews the mammography code transition between CPT and HCPCS for 2017 and discusses the temporary billing environment. The section focuses on service-family updates and payer processing considerations.

4. Flu vaccine codes lose age indications

   Summarizes revised influenza vaccine code descriptions for 2017 and the removal of age-based language from the code set. The section also notes a newly added flu vaccine code.

5. Check your MACs' policy before billing new flu code

   Explains that payer handling may vary for a newer influenza vaccine code and highlights the need to verify local Medicare administrative contractor policy. It also references a temporary replacement billing option.

6. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) gets a new code

   Covers the change in the Medicare AAA screening reporting approach for 2017. The section describes the preventive screening context and the relevant coverage scenario.

7. Be careful about the telehealth appendix

   Introduces a CPT appendix related to telehealth services and a corresponding modifier reference. The section emphasizes that payer coverage policies may differ.