Accurate coding is essential for timely payment. Daria Semanyshyn of Advanced Medical Practice Management recommends ASCs spot-check their coding regularly. “If your center doesn’t have anyone else qualified to review [operative] notes for proper coding, it might be worth the investment to hire an independent coder who can conduct such an audit and ensure you are coding correctly,” she says. “Aside from making sure you are compliant, you may also find that your center is not charging for all allowable secondary procedures.” Since coding errors can sometimes mean significant up-payment or underpayment, a coding audit can save you money as well as keep you in compliance with payment regulations.
Ms. Semanyshyn says audits should include a good mix of procedures, payors and attending physicians to catch any problem areas. She advises that ASCs conduct formal coding audits at least twice a year, with more informal spots checks performed more regularly.
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