This week we dive into the Revenue Cycle as it relates to Medical Coding. We encourage all to think about how their role as a Medical Coder is a peice of that Cycle and how we approach that role will effect all members of a Healthcare facility. Ultimately it effects the patient. Do you know you are more than a Medical Coder? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/healthcrossroads/message

In this special episode I am joined by my friend Barbara Cobuzzi MBA CPC COC CPC-P CPC-I CPCO CENTC CMCS. We will catch up with her and see what she's been up to. We will break down the Global Package for ENT Services and discuss Common issues in ENT Audits Endoscopic Sinus Surgeries Modifier 58 vs 78 Appropriate use of Modifier 59 and CMS X(ESPU) Contact her at http://crnhealthcare.com/ You will also want to check out our ENT Virtual Summit On Demand --- Send in a voice...

In this weeks episode we continue our discussion from last week and discuss the purpose of the Global Surgical Package. It is a lot to discuss so we will break it up into 2 episodes.  This week we will review:  Modifier 57  The Medicare Physician Fee Indicators  What is Included in the Global Package Interpreting 0, 10 and 90 day Packages  You can learn more about these modifiers as it relates to Orthopedic Services at our Upcoming Virtual Summit July 13-14 and earn 15 CEUS! Sign up...

In this weeks episode we are joined by Sonal Patel, CPMA, CPC, CMC, ICDCM. She is a repeat guest and we are very excited to discuss Modifier 25. It has been in the news lately and a very controversial Modifier for years now. We will discuss: Modifier 25 Definition News from Commercial Payers OIG report from 2005 Using Authoritative Guidance Check out these cool references: OIG Report CMS Global Booklet Fact Sheet CMS Processing Manual Check out the Podcast Paint the Medical...

We are on Vacation this week. Check out a replay of one of my favorite episodes with my dear friend Christine Hall --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifeasacoder/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifeasacoder/support

In this episode we will chat with Jared Walker, Founder at Dollar For where the goal is Advocating for patients to eliminate medical debt. We are all patients at one point in our life. The Burdens to provide healthcare are great for providers and healthcare staff but the burden for patients are great indeed!  According to Jared " Many patients are involved in payment agreements and going into debt for medical bills they do not have to pay" Let's discuss: Charity Care Patient Advocacy ...

We have a great Bonus Episode for everyone with my special guest Jessyka Burke. We discuss the ins and outs of Podiatry Billing and Coding Challenges. Routine Footcare NCCI Bunion Coding Hammertoe Know your LCD Policies --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifeasacoder/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifeasacoder/support

In this episode we highlight why we are all here in the Business of Healthcare. To provide access to care for the patient population. It doesn’t matter what our role is, we have an obligation to fight for the patient so they can get what they need to improve their quality of life and in many cases save their life. I had the privilege of speaking with two Healthcare Advocates and I am sharing that conversation with you all. Elizabeth Johnson and Melissa Paige join me today to talk about how...

In this week's episode I dig into the heart of getting your providers paid. Many of the breakdown starts with the data collected at the time of the appointment. In my career I started at the front desk. The most important role beside the Physician! I will walk you through my career from Receptionist to Consultant --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifeasacoder/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifeasacoder/support

In this Bonus episode I am joined by Kimberly Clayson of Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss as we give you a preview of the legal issues facing the industry and some insight into No surprise billing that she we give us at the Orthopedic Conference.  What is No Surprise Billing? What it means for Orthopedics? Upcoming topics for the OrthoCare Summit Join us and get your Tickets --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifeasacoder/message Support this podcast:...

Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 6! We are happy to invite our first guest of the Season Laurie Bouzarelos MHA,CPC on the show today to talk about Behavioral Health audits.  Laurie Bouzarelos, MHA, CPC is a health care consultant with a special interest in supporting the unique business needs of behavioral health practices. Laurie works with psychiatrists and behavioral health providers to improve practice revenue and address compliance shortfalls. Laurie helps providers understand their...

In todays episode we dive into LCD policies, Coverage and Evaluation and Management tips for Diagnosis Documentation. It is so important to understand the impact that Medical Necessity and Coverage guidelines play in reimbursement. Outside of direct care providers many patients rely on their insurance coverage to get the services they need. By accepting assignment on their behalf and submitting their claim we can aid them as professionals to continue getting these service and to be reimbursed...

In this Episode I welcome my colleague and Fellow Physician Educator Crystal Watters. Remote vs Onsite jobs Passing an exam doesn't guarantee a job Social media ettiqite True value of CEUS Apprentice Credentials, do we need them? What does having a credential tell a prospective employer? Different Credentials Earn a CEU for this episode by joining our All Access or VIP Membership www.patreon.com/lifeasacoder --- Send in a voice message:...

In this final episode of our 4 part series with Behavioral Health I wanted to close out with awareness of Stress and Anxiety awareness.  April is #stressawarenessmonth and we discuss the damage prolonged stress can have on our mental and physical health. 🔸️Stress and Anxiety Awareness 🔸️Final Rule and Behavioral Health 🔸️Exam Anxiety Exam Anxiety Tips Do not miss our Specialty Conference series! We have specialties: OBGYN Pediatrics Cardiology Oncology Orthopedics Find out more...

Let's discuss the Clinical side of Personality Disorders. I have a special guest Paul Sheesley MA, LPC,LCPC,LCADC a clinical Psychotherapist and Consultant specializing in Personality disorders and Substance Abuse. We will discuss: Personality Disorders Presentation of these disorders Effect on Family and Society Risks Early Detection Effect on Anxiety, Depression and Overall Health Paul's Bio: Paul Sheesley, is a mental health practitioner with almost 20 years of experience in...

In this episode I am joined by my colleague and friend Barbara Shaw, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CRC, CEDC . W will discuss Risk adjustment and Social Determinants of health as it relates to Mental Health Services What is Risk Adjustment? Important reminders about SDOH Risk Adjustment Documentation  Mental Health and SDOH Join the Risk Adjustment Masterclass created by Risk Adjustment leaders and educators. Ask us about our special programs for Hospital Employee education  This episode...

In this episode we begin our four part series on the Behavioral Health Crisis. I will be sharing my thoughts on mental health in the workplace. I share what I have learned in my career and the things that have contributed to my professional growth. We can all improve in our way of dealing with others at home and in the workplace. Mental Health in the workplace Communication between departments A Leader vs a Boss Growth opportunity suggestions There will be CEUS offered for certain...

In this Episode I'm joined by Sarah Ragan. A seasoned coder and auditor. She's a great educator and mentor. Today we talk about the benefits of Virtual Education and why it is a valuable way to get our education. Value of Education Virtual Education before and after the pandemic Benefits of Virtual Education on the community Networking Value Learn more about our Virtual events HERE Connect with Sarah Ragan, COC, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CFPC if you need a speaker for your next event! You can...

Join me and my special guest Stephanie Thebarge CPC, CPMA, CPPM, CPB, CEMC, CHONC, PESC talking about all things #Oncology We discuss the differences in Surgical Oncology, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology. We discuss the necessity of a proper understanding of Guidelines, Payer requirements and the natural desire to be a good reseacher. This specialty requires a desire to know all you can about how Oncology drugs happen and truly caring about the patients and being a...

In this Bonus Episode Kimberly Jolivette Williams CPC CPB CPMA CANPC CCC CEMC   is my special guest.  Its March Madness with Modifiers and we are here to talk about our favorite ones and some very important tips and guidance.   *Always check your state and local plan websites for Modifier guidance  Why do we use modifiers? Modifier 24,25, and 57  Modifier 58,78,79  New F Modifiers  Modifier TC,26  Modifier 50 and 59  Modifier List Medicare  Proper Use of Modifiers 59 &...

In this episode we will be joined by our special guest Mia Reddick-Smith, PMP, MBA, CPC-I. She has over 16 years’ experience working in healthcare revenue integrity and project management with enterprise system implementations. She is a results-oriented professional leading development of reimbursement and charge capture programs as well as executing organizational operating and financial objectives. Currently she teaches medical coding/billing AAPC® CPC prep courses. As someone with a...

In this Episode I invite back my friend and fellow Podcaster Terry A Fletcher BS CPC CEMC CCC CCS CCSP CMC ACS-CA SCP-CA, QMPM. She is the host of the #codecast podcast. In our years working in the business of healthcare we have seen so much fraud, waste and abuse. Much of the waste is simply not understanding the appeals process. So much money is left on the table by needless Denials and decisions not to appeal. This is a #donotmiss episode  CMS Appeals Process  UHC Appeals Process  ...

Join me and my Special Guest Jessyka Burke, BSHA, CPC, COSC, CASCC as we dive into the world of billing for Workers Compensation, Tricare and Auto Insurance Billing. We thought these are areas of Billing that often get misunderstood or billed incorrectly. It takes organization and constant follow up. We give you the tips to be successful. Getting organized Know state guidelines  Different types of military insurance Challenges in getting visits approved with Tricare.   Suggestions...

Everyone has a role to play in the Revenue Cycle. Its important that we understand each other's role to work better as a team. Join Vanessa Moldovan and myself as we discuss: Overview of revenue cycle What is the difference in billing vs coding? Job responsibilities of a coder vs a biller What other roles in RCM can a coder be utilized in?  Ways to improve communication Simple errors and how communication can improve these  CMS Status B Guidelines OIG Coding Guidelines Join our...

I get many questions about how to read and dissect an operative report. In an effort to answer some of those questions I have decided to talk about the process in this episode. Operative Report Elements Getting Organized Understanding the Medical Necessity Learn more about Surgery coding for OBGYN Services at our conference Saturday 2/12/22 www.obgynsummit.com Join our Annual Patreon membership to get CEUS for select episodes. www.patreon.com/lifeasacoder --- Send in a voice...