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Coder's Guide to ASC and Physician Practice Modifiers

Written by Stephanie Ellis, RN, CPC
Modifiers (usually 2-digits) are added to the main procedure code to signify that the procedure has been altered by a distinct factor. Modifiers are accepted by most payors. Modifiers can increase or decrease reimbursement. They can also cause claims not to pay properly or deny if used incorrectly or not used, when necessary. Some modifiers are for use by ASCs only, some for physician practices and some are for use by both provider types. Correct modifier usage is under close review by Medicare at the present time.
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9 Interactive Approaches to Emphasize Patient Safety and Compliance With Accreditation Standards

Written by Rob Kurtz
Finding effective means to engage staff and physicians in making safety and accreditation a priority can be a challenge. But it’s certainly not impossible. To help with safety education and ensure greater buy-in from staff and physicians for meeting accreditation standards and creating a safer environment, Surgery Center of Des Moines (Iowa) has implemented a variety of creative educational tools, interactive games, and many other practices throughout the year to achieve this engagement.
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CMS Billing Edits to Reduce Payment Errors Posted Online

Written by Stephanie Wasek
CMS has published online most of the edits utilized in its Medically Unlikely Edit (MUE) program to improve the accuracy of claims payments for Medicare Part B services.
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Study Shows Efficacy of Computer Assisted Sedation System; Feasibility Study Published in GI Journal

Written by Stephanie Wasek
A pivotal trial in which physician/nurse teams used the SEDASYS System indicates reduced risk of over-sedation with propofol in patients undergoing colonoscopy and EGD. The study included 1,000 subjects who underwent sedation for colonoscopy and EGD at eight sites and compared the SEDASYS System to the current standard of care for sedation (midazolam plus fentanyl or meperidine). Further, the results of a feasibility study have been accepted by and published in the September issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
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