Our consulting expertise at your fingertips
Are you mystified by the coding and billing requirements for diagnostic ultrasound procedures? Fear not, our Ultrasound Coder book will guide you through the intricacies! This timely resource details the coding experience of MedLearn's national consulting practice, combined with Medicare coverage policies and billing guidelines. Highlights:
- Guidance related to biopsy, aspiration, needle localization, vascular-access and non-invasive peripheral vascular procedures
- Content is divided into diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound guidance procedures, echocardiography (fetal and non-fetal), non-invasive vascular diagnostic studies and intravascular ultrasound sections, each with CPT codes and billing tips
- Eliminates the confusion associated with coding for non-invasive peripheral duplex and Doppler vascular procedures
- Differentiates between complete and limited abdominal/retroperitoneal scans
- Details the difference between complete and limited abdominal/retroperitoneal scans
- Detailed information related to codes for echocardiography, including all-inclusive echocardiogram with color-flow and Doppler, all-inclusive stress echo and stress echo with contrast
- Appendices containing detailed information related to the ordering of additional diagnostic tests by the radiologist
- NEW FOR 2011:
- Comprehensive coverage of 2011 code changes, including two new codes for complete and limited scans of the shoulder and ankle joint and two revised codes for non-invasive imaging intended to address incorrect coding and billing for ankle/brachial index (ABI) testing
- Several new case studies that address common concerns pertaining to the application of CPT codes
- New chapter providing answers to many frequently asked question
Findings from MedLearn consulting experts
MedLearn consulting experts speak from their real-world experiences regarding the potential benefits of Ultrasound Coder to healthcare organizations:
RAC and OIG alert! "In 2009 providers were required to start using bundled codes for echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound), making these claims a prime target for scrutiny by the Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program in 2011. Compounding compliance challenges for providers, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is taking a hard look at billing for ultrasound. This comes after the OIG determined that one in five ultrasound claims nationwide had questionable elements. Our assessment: Accurate coding and clean claims for ultrasound services have never been more crucial."
Under-coding or over-coding for scans - "Many hospitals and physician practices routinely under-code or over-code for duplex ultrasound scans, because coders don't understand the differences between limited and complete duplex exams. We've observed several instances of facilities inaccurately charging for duplex scans. Ultrasound Coder can help providers reduce exposure by consistently distinguishing between limited and complete scans and how to properly code them."
Confusion over codes - "Under-reporting, and sometimes over-reporting, commonly result from not knowing how to code correctly for non-invasive vascular ultrasound procedures. Our book provides clear guidance through these widely misunderstood areas of coding, which in turn can help strengthen regulatory compliance while preserving the appropriate reimbursement. One problem we've observed is incorrect coding and billing for ABI, a high-volume procedure at many hospitals and vascular surgery practices. For 2011, providers need to be aware of the two revised codes for ABI and how to appropriately report each one."
Reporting conflicts - "A lack of coordination between radiologists and hospital ultrasound departments can lead to the two sides reporting different codes for the same procedure. This often occurs when the radiologist's documentation doesn't match what's being billed, or the hospital enters its charges before receiving the physician's dictation. In these instances, one or both providers risk claim denials by third-party payers - an outcome that can be prevented by following the instruction in Ultrasound Coder."
CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association
About eBooks
For 2011, all of our publications are now available in either print or eBook formats. The eBook format is an exact copy of the print format in a protected PDF document downloadable to your computer. Everything that is provided in the print format is accessible in the searchable eBook format, where you may search by specific words or phrases, or codes located throughout your eBook.
To download a sample eBook, CLICK HERE
- The eBook format has exactly the same content as our print format.
- The eBook format is available for download prior to the release of the print versions.
- You may access your eBook(s) on your Windows or Mac computer at all times which allows for full text search capabilities and accessibility of the content on your computer without having to drag around a hard copy book.
- The eBook price is the same price as the print format (retail rate for each, with volume discounts) – but you pay no shipping costs!
- eBooks are non-printable.
- All eBook and print format content is copyrighted and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, or otherwise) without with prior written permission of the publisher. To inquire about multiple user pricing, call Customer Care at 800-252-1578 ext 2.
- All resources are updated on an annual basis. Any pertinent updates to resources made throughout the year are found on our Product Updates webpage at http://www.medlearn.com/updates/.
- All eBooks are made to prevent the copy of any content contained therein. You cannot copy and paste or manipulate the eBook content into another program.
- The eBook format may contain blank pages. These blank pages are added pages, not the deletion of information and will not affect the quality of the eBook or your understanding of the material.
* To view our eBooks, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free download. You can download this program HERE.
Return Policy for eBooks
All eBook sales are final. Please fully read the eBook product description and view the Table of Contents to gain a full understanding of the book prior to your purchase. Should you have any questions prior to your purchase, please call Customer Care at 800-252-1578 ext. 2 to receive answers to your eBook questions. We will work with you to help resolve any technical difficulties you may experience regarding your eBook order.
eBook Delivery
After purchase* you will receive an auto-generated email from Promail5 at impactfulfillment dot com which will contain a link to download your eBook(s). If you do not receive the email, please contact your Network Operations or IT group for assistance. To help ensure that these emails are always delivered to your Inbox, please add the impactfulfillment.com domain to your Safe Senders list.
*Web store orders only - immediately after your transaction has been processed you will be prompted to download your purchased product(s). Purchased products will also be available for download after signing in to your online web store account.
Technical Assistance
For any technical assistance, please call Customer Care at 800-252-1578 ext 2.
