E/M Coding Alert - 2007 Issue 11
PART B MYTH-BUSTER: Learn The Difference Between 'Requirements' And 'Received Wisdom'
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article reviews common coding and compliance misconceptions that can affect billing, patient acceptance, and reimbursement. It is aimed at coders, billers, compliance staff, and practice managers who need a clearer understanding of how Medicare, Medicaid, managed care plans, and other insurers may differ in their requirements. The discussion focuses on broad payer-policy topics, medical necessity, evaluation and management documentation concepts, and the role of beneficiary notices and insurer-specific guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
Misunderstanding payer rules can lead to denied claims, missed reimbursement, compliance risk, or unnecessary billing restrictions. The article helps readers recognize where general assumptions about coverage and payment may not match actual payer requirements.
Article Sections
-
6 more myths that could turn off your cash flow
An overview of additional billing and compliance misconceptions that may affect reimbursement and practice operations.
-
Myth #1: If you're a Medicaid provider, you have to accept all Medicaid patients.
Discussion of Medicaid participation assumptions and the need to verify state and payer requirements.
-
Myth #2: Medicare covers everything, and you can't bill the patient for anything.
Explains that Medicare coverage is not universal and references beneficiary notice concepts in broad terms.
-
Myth #3: Medicare HMOs have to follow the same rules as Medicare.
Covers how Medicare Advantage or HMO-type plans may operate under their own guidelines while still aligning with core coverage expectations.
-
Myth #4: Your E/M level is based on how many diagnoses you have documented.
Addresses common misconceptions about evaluation and management leveling and the broader factors involved in service support.
-
Myth #5: You have to follow Medicare's rules for everybody.
Compares Medicare guidance with other payer policies and professional association standards.
-
Myth #6: Secondary insurance always pays what Medicare doesn't.
Discusses general differences among secondary and supplemental coverage arrangements and how payment obligations can vary.
What You Will Learn
- How common myths can affect claims processing and reimbursement
- Why payer policies may differ across Medicare, Medicaid, managed care plans, and commercial insurers
- The general role of medical necessity and documentation in evaluation and management coding
- How beneficiary notices and secondary coverage concepts fit into billing workflows
- Why practices should verify rules rather than rely on assumptions
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Medical billers
- Compliance staff
- Practice managers
- Physician office administrators
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com