decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2009 Issue 1 (January)
Prepare for 2009: A coder’s resource checklist
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Article Overview
This article gives coders and practice staff a year-end readiness checklist for major 2009 updates affecting CPT, HCPCS, ICD-9-CM, Medicare payment resources, and government audit guidance. It is aimed at people responsible for maintaining coding tools, fee schedules, policy references, and compliance monitoring so they can confirm their office resources are current for the new year.
Why This Topic Matters
Annual coding changes can affect claim submission, documentation tools, payment setup, and audit preparedness. This checklist helps practices identify the main resource categories that should be reviewed when updating systems and policies for a new coding year.
Article Sections
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New procedure codes
Covers updating practice systems with the latest procedure code sets and related online resources for the new year.
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New diagnosis codes
Addresses diagnosis coding updates and the need to verify current guidance before the new year cycle begins.
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Templates, "cheat sheets," superbills
Discusses reviewing office forms and reference tools that may contain outdated code numbers.
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Fee schedules
Focuses on obtaining current payer fee schedule information and checking Medicare-related pricing resources.
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Relative value file
Introduces a Medicare billing resource used to review code-level payment and status information.
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CCI policy updates
Summarizes the need to keep current with Medicare correct coding policy materials and bundled-edit guidance.
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OIG audit plans
Notes annual audit planning resources published by the HHS Office of Inspector General.
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More government audit findings
Points to additional OIG guidance and fraud-related resources relevant to practice compliance monitoring.
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AMA code updates
Covers AMA resources for annual coding errata and updates affecting select CPT-related code categories.
What You Will Learn
- Which major annual coding resources should be reviewed for the new year
- How practices can keep procedure, diagnosis, and reference tools up to date
- What Medicare and OIG resources are commonly checked during annual preparation
- Where to look for ongoing CPT-related updates and coding notices
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding managers
- Practice administrators
- Billing staff
- Compliance staff
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