Coding for complex colorectal procedures? Scratching your head when trying to figure out which codes fit which procedures? You’re not alone. Colorectal coding requires knowledge of the anatomy involved as well as specific terminology that describes the procedures performed.
For surgeons, the CPT code description may not be consistent with the clinical language you are accustomed to using (or what’s included in the code selection list from your EHR!). For coders, knowing how a colostomy is different than a coloproctostomy, can be the difference between a correct code and an incorrect code, not to mention a difference in payment!
Whether you’re a coder or a surgeon, understanding the codes and the necessary documentation will facilitate accurate and optimal revenue and RVU calculations; essential if you are a surgeon compensated by RVU production.
Join KZA consultant Teri Romano, in a webinar designed specifically for improving coding and documentation of colorectal procedures. Presented in two interesting and information packed modules, the modules can be viewed as a set or alone depending on your individual coding education needs. Case scenarios are included in each module to guide the real-life application of codes to surgical procedures.
Module 1
Will answer:
- When are two surgeons co -surgeon and when are they primary and assistant? Does specialty matter?
- What’s the difference between modifier 58 and 78 and how are they used in colorectal procedures?
- How is moderate sedation documented?
- How is colonoscopy reported if the cecum is not visualized?
- Can more than one polyp removal be reported?
Module is 50 minutes long.
Module 2
Will answer:
- What’s included in a colorectal surgery? What about an endoscope after the surgery to check the anastomoses? What about an omental flap?
- How is a low pelvic anastomosis with a diverting ileostomy instead of a colostomy reported?
- What does a hand-assisted procedure mean and how is it reported?
- What differentiates a simple versus complex destructions of anal lesions?
- What’s the difference between a fistula and fissure?
Module is 50 minutes long.
Presenter
Teri Romano, BSN, MBA, CPC CMDP
Consultant and Speaker
Teri Romano has over twenty-five years of consulting and teaching experience in the health care field. Ms. Romano works with physician groups and hospitals combining a background in clinical systems with solid approaches to operational and organizational problem solving.
Teri is co-developer and instructor for the national coding and reimbursement workshops sponsored by the American College of Surgeons, the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. She also provides on-site customized coding and reimbursement courses to physician and hospital groups, specializing in neurosurgery, general surgery, vascular surgery, and vein well as E/M and surgical case audits to assist physician groups in their compliance activities. In addition, she consults with vein, vascular, general surgical, and neurosurgical practices on practice management issues including service line development, revenue enhancement, staffing models, appeals management and expense reduction.
Please email education@karenzupko.com if you have questions.
