E/M Coding Alert - 2019 Issue 3
Reader Question: Prepare for LCD Changes
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article addresses a reader question about CMS updates to Local Coverage Determinations and how those updates affect the presentation of coding and medical necessity information. It is aimed at coders, billers, and compliance staff who need to understand the evolving LCD workflow, the role of MACs, and where to look for linked coverage-related coding guidance. The article focuses on the process change described in CMS guidance and the practical implications for documentation reference sources.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers understand that changes to LCD formatting and publication do not eliminate the need to document medical necessity, while also clarifying where coverage-related coding information will be housed going forward.
Article Sections
-
Question
Introduces a reader question about Medicare LCD updates and their possible effect on documentation of medical necessity.
-
Answer
Summarizes the response about the scope of the LCD process change and the continued need for medical necessity support.
-
Coding
Describes CMS guidance on how coding information will be presented in relation to LCDs and linked billing and coding materials.
-
Bottom line
Provides a brief wrap-up of the practical impact of the LCD format change on diagnosis-related coverage guidance.
-
Resource
Points readers to the CMS reference document mentioned in the article for additional background on the LCD update.
What You Will Learn
- The nature of CMS updates to the LCD process
- How LCD-related coding information is being reorganized
- Which Medicare guidance sources are referenced for the update
- How the change affects where coverage-related information is found
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Medical billers
- Compliance staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Practice managers
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com