ASC Coding, Billing & Collections

The decision that Medicare will fund screening and counseling services to help obese patients slim down has sparked debate about the best methods for weight loss, according to a Statesman Journal report.

Minnesota residents will be able to test prototypes of several insurance exchanges on Monday, when the exchange models are made available online for public review, according to a Minnesota Public Radio report.

Most healthcare organizations are not fully prepared for a privacy and security audit by federal HIPAA regulators, according to a Nov. 2011 survey conducted by HCPro.

Aetna has announced the results of a consumer survey that show more than half of insured adults are confused with important aspects related to choosing a health insurance plan, according to a MarketWatch report.

A Virginia panel is in the process of discussing ideas for a state-run health insurance exchange, while Gov. Bob McDonnell continues his opposition to the federal healthcare overhaul, according to a Roanoke report.

The transition to an electronic medical record can give providers the opportunity to refresh their knowledge of evaluation and management documentation guidelines, according to an AAPC report written by Brandi Tadlock, CPC, CPC-P, CPMA.

Healthcare providers are waiting for the next step from the American Medical Association House of Delegates, which recently adopted a resolution directing the organization to "vigorously" oppose implementation of ICD-10, according to a Health Data Management report.

Donald M. Berwick, MD, is resigning as CMS administrator on Dec. 2, and experts are wondering what that means for the future of ICD-10 implementation, according to a Government Health IT report.

CMS has announced Medicare is adding coverage for screening and counseling for obesity, according to a CMS news release.

New Mexico has been awarded a $34.2 million grant to assist in implementing federal healthcare reform, according to a Bloomberg Businessweek report.