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Cpt Codes medical billing
1. Basics Of CPT Medical Billing Codes
CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology which is a coding system explaining about the report services or procedures. Each CPT has 5 numerical codes to be assigned by authorized professionals subsequent to the examination of medical reports. Such codes are then used for medical billing and tracking purposes. Coders should have knowledge about the coding principles, anatomy and rules for applying the codes appropriately. CPT Medical Billing codes then are given to a health insurer in order to be reimbursed for medical services being offered to patients.
Fundamentals of CPT Codes Medical Billing:
CPT codes for medical billing have some fundamentals to be followed. These include the points stated below:
Body Systems:
CPT manual containing the procedural codes is categorized in anatomical segments involving endocrine and circulatory. Along with the body systems, such codes are also available for radiological and lab procedures. Few medical procedures need manifold codes from different sections in CPT manual.
Allocating appropriate procedural codes:
CPT Medical Billing codes involve an explanation for a procedure performed. Several descriptions though sound alike yet they vary in repayment or application when used for billings. Remember not to bill for high valued procedures when not supported for more engaged procedures. For an instance: multiple codes exist for the chest X-Rays but there are two views accordingly. If the report states one view then the code for the same be used and not for two views.
Bundling procedural codes:
Several procedures need a number of steps. Assigning a separate procedural code for all the steps is enticing but numerous payers bundle supplementary steps including X- Ray guidance and preliminary incision in a single primary procedural code. Breaking up the procedures into several procedural codes is known as unbundling. This process is in opposition to the regulations of authorized body. Now, it is left to the coders to track the changes and also record the codes consequently.
2. Procedure to document the CPT codes:
There are certain things you need in order to document the CPT codes such as medical details of the patient, present CPT coding book and medical dictionary. Here is laid down the process for documentation of CPT Codes Medical Billing:
Reviewing documents of the patient to know about the procedures, services and treatments is what coders do. Also they check into the doctor’s notes and other reports to know about the procedure being performed and make a note.
Codes are never written on record of the patient. Rather they make use of a paper scrap sheet to prepare the coding notes till codes are being assigned.
Checking the CPT coding software or the book, they begin with either the procedure performed or body system.
Now they assign the apt code for all the procedures performed. Then they make a review on inconsistencies or questions with the doctor.
Finally they list the assigned CPT code for billing purpose.
CPT codes are being revised on yearly basis and then issued by AMA (American Medical Association).