Q. I plan to do all of my own procedure and diagnosis coding, -CPT-4 and ICD9-CM coding) is this a good idea?

A. Anesthesia providers maximize their revenue when they are providing anesthesia services, not when they are attempting to determine which CPT-4 or which ICD9-CM code(s) are appropriate. The process of reviewing, selecting, and / or determining the appropriate procedure and diagnosis codes is an entire profession in itself. Health Information Managers -(HIM), Certified Coding Specialists (CCS), and Accredited Records Technicians (ART) are all professions designed to assure compliance and consistency within the coding process. From a compliance standpoint only these types of properly certified and accredited individuals should be selecting and assigning these codes. Since reimbursement is directly related to the code(s) selected, it is imperative that the code selection be correct in order to be within compliance with Medicare and the correct coding initiatives, but also to avoid overcharging or inappropriate charges for services rendered. It is best to select a management service to handle these critical areas of non-clinical practice operation.

Q. How are we certain we are maximizing CRNA reimbursement within our facility?

See Answer.

Q. What is the necessity of obtaining an NPI -National Provider Identifier?

See Answer.

Q. Does an entity as well as an individual provider need an NPI?

See Answer.

Q. What does the term "most favored nation" mean as it appears in many third party payer reimbursement agreements and participation agreements?

See Answer.

Q. What is an RFP?

See Answer.

Q. Does it make any difference if I select CPT-4 codes from the Surgical or Anesthesia Sections?

See Answer.

Q. Since the Medicare Modifier -QS is not valid for actual reimbursement calculation, does it really need to be used?

See Answer.

Q. How long will it take to develop a cash flow from a new practice opportunity?

See Answer.

Q. I have graduated from Anesthesia School, but have not taken my certification examination, can I still bill for my services since I have completed my required anesthesia program?

See Answer.

Q. In evaluating a practice opportunity what questions or data should I be requesting from the practice?

See Answer.

Q. I plan to do all of my own procedure and diagnosis coding, -CPT-4 and ICD9-CM coding) is this a good idea?

See Answer.

Q. Is it necessary to have type of contract with a facility/hospital before I commence providing anesthesia services?

See Answer.

Q. Why would I use an ABN-Medicare Beneficiary Advance Benefit Notification document?

See Answer.

Copyright 2006 BCS, Incorporated All Rights Reserved. All materials here not otherwise noted, are the sole property of BCS, Incorporated and Lee S. Broadston. Downloading is not permitted without written permission from BCS, Incorporated prior to publication.