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 covers a practical year-end preparation checklist for coding and billing teams, with emphasis on staying current for the 2009 cycle. It discusses where to look for updates to major code sets, practice forms, payer fee schedules, Medicare reference files, compliance guidance, audit plans, and AMA coding resources. The piece is most relevant to coders, billing staff, and practice managers who support pediatric or other physician practices and need to confirm their systems and reference materials are up to date.
Why This Topic Matters
Keeping core coding references and payer guidance current helps practices prepare for annual code changes, reduce claim-processing problems, and align internal resources with updated government and professional materials.
Article Sections
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New procedure codes
Overview of annual procedure code updates and the systems that need to be ready for them. The section points to the main sources used to obtain current code-set information.
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New ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes
Discussion of diagnosis code update timing and where to check for the latest official guideline materials. The section focuses on keeping practice systems and references current.
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Templates, "cheat sheets," superbills
Review of internal office forms and reference tools that may require revision. This section addresses both paper and electronic practice materials.
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Fee schedules
General guidance on gathering payer fee schedules for the year. The section highlights Medicare as one of the sources to verify.
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Relative value file
Introduction to a Medicare reference file that supports code-level billing research. The section explains that the resource is used to review payment and claim-processing information.
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CCI policy updates
Overview of Medicare’s coding edit policy materials and the importance of reviewing the current manual version. The section relates to bundled-services guidance and related compliance resources.
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OIG audit plans
Discussion of the Office of Inspector General’s annual audit planning materials. The section explains how these resources can inform a practice’s own review activities.
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More government audit findings
Reference to additional OIG guidance and fraud-related resources. The section points readers to broader compliance materials.
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AMA code updates
Coverage of AMA resources for keeping up with code corrections and periodic updates. The section also notes the availability of additional category code updates.
What You Will Learn
- Which annual resources are commonly checked when preparing for a new coding year
- How practices can organize updates to procedure and diagnosis coding references
- Where to find payer, Medicare, OIG, and AMA guidance relevant to coding compliance
- What kinds of internal documents may need review when code sets change
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding supervisors
- Billing staff
- Practice managers
- Pediatric practice staff
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