Never events: New HCPCS modifiers and E codes

Why This Topic Matters

The topic affects how certain preventable procedure events are identified and reported in claims and administrative data. It also highlights specialty guidance and workflow tools that may be important for ophthalmology practices and compliance review.

Article Sections

1. CMS never-event policy update

   Overview of Medicare’s policy response to preventable surgical events and the timing of related coding changes. The section frames the general categories of events being tracked.

2. New HCPCS modifiers and ICD-9-CM E codes

   Summary of the newly introduced HCPCS modifiers and revised ICD-9-CM E codes referenced in the article. The discussion is centered on the code update itself and the effective dates.

3. AAO develops protocols to prevent ‘never events’

   Information about ophthalmology-focused prevention tools and professional resources developed to reduce wrong-site and similar errors. The section also notes organizational involvement and related education efforts.

4. Official resources

   Links and source references for locating CMS and ICD-9-CM update materials. This section is a resource list rather than clinical guidance.