There are two main ways that insurance companies respond when they decide not to pay a claim, denial and rejection. Both indicate the claim will not be paid, but there are some important differences between the two. The distinction is critical for medical providers to correctly follow-up so they can get claims paid appropriately. Let’s […]
Articles posted by Alex J. Lau
HL7 vs FHIR: The Key Differences

HL7 and FHIR are both standards developed by Health Level Seven International for exchanging healthcare data between software systems, but they represent different generations of the same effort. HL7 v2.x, the version most widely deployed today, was developed in the late 1980s to enable data exchange between hospital information systems using pipe-delimited message segments. FHIR, […]
FHIR, Healthcare Interoperability, HL7Strategies for Dealing with Denied Claims

Dealing with denied claims is one of the most frustrating and time-consuming aspects of medical billing. However, there are several strategies billing staff can employ to efficiently handle denials, appeal them successfully, and prevent denials from occurring in the first place. We analyze the most effective ways to deal with denied claims in medical billing. […]
Billing, Claim Denial Manager, Claim Denials, Claim Rejection, Claim Rejection Rate, Denial Management, Denial Prevention, Denial Prevention Strategy, Denial Trends, Denials, Denied Claims, Healthcare Billing, Medical Billing, RCM, Revenue Cycle, Revenue Cycle Management, Revenue Cycle OptimizationUnveiling Some of the Key CPT Codes in Medical Coding

In the intricate world of medical billing and coding, understanding Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes is paramount. These codes act as a universal language, facilitating seamless communication between healthcare providers and insurance entities. Let’s delve into the realm of CPT codes, exploring their significance and shedding light on the most commonly used ones. Decoding CPT […]
Allergy Testing Billing, Behavioral Health Billing, Billing, Coding, COVID-19 billing, CPT codes, DME Billing, Family Practice Billing, Genetic Testing Billing, Healthcare Billing, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Reimbursement, Occupational Therapy Billing, Outsourced Billing, PT Billing, Revenue Cycle Management, Revenue Cycle Optimization, Speech Therapy Billing, Toxicology BillingBilling for COVID-19 Testing: An In-Depth Use Case Explaining CPT Codes, Payer Policies, and Revenue Cycle Optimization

Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 has become a cornerstone of pandemic response for healthcare providers. However, rolling out testing services presents immense challenges around reimbursement and revenue cycle management. This definitive use case walks through COVID-19 testing billing and coding procedures in 2022 step-by-step, using examples to illustrate how to optimize claims submission and payment across […]
0224U, 87426, 87635, Billing, COVID, COVID billing, COVID Test Billing, COVID testing billing, COVID Tests, COVID-19, COVID-19 Test Billing, COVID-19 testing, CPT codes, Medical, Medical Billing, Revenue Cycle, Revenue Cycle Management, Revenue Cycle Optimization, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-2 BillingThe Challenges and Opportunities of Digital Therapeutics (DTx) Reimbursement

The healthcare industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with software-based therapeutic interventions known as digital therapeutics emerging as disruptive new modalities to prevent, manage, and treat a growing range of medical conditions. Digital Therapeutics Breakdown Digital therapeutics deliver evidence-based treatments directly to patients through smart devices and applications. These data-driven tools provide personalized interventions, feedback, […]
Digital Health Center of Excellence, Digital Therapeutics, DTx, DTx Billing, DTx Reimbursement, Healthcare, Integration, Interoperability, Interoperability and Integration, Medical, Medical Billing, Optimize Reimbursement, Real-World Evidence, Reimbursement, Revenue Cycle, Revenue Cycle Management, Revenue Cycle Optimization, RWEWhich Virtual Care Technologies Should Providers Adopt?

The healthcare industry has undergone a digital transformation in recent years, with virtual care technologies playing a central role. Virtual care refers to any health services provided remotely through telecommunications and digital technologies. These technologies are enabling more convenient, accessible and affordable healthcare delivery. For healthcare providers, understanding the virtual care landscape is crucial to […]
Blockchain for Health Data, Bots, CCM, Chronic Care Management, Chronic care management (CCM), Chronic Care Management Software, Computer Vision, Computer Vision & AI, Digital Therapeutics, DTx, Healthcare Bots, Hybrid Care Models, Medical Bots, Medical Robotics, Patient Portals, Remote Diagnostics, Robotics, Telehealth, Wearable DevicesWhich CPT Codes are used in Telestroke and Teleneurology Billing?

Telestroke and teleneurology refer to the use of telehealth to provide acute stroke care and neurological care from a distance. This allows neurologists and stroke specialists to evaluate and manage patients in hospitals or clinics that may not have specialty care available onsite. The use of telehealth and virtual care models in neurology has grown enormously […]
Coding and Billing, CPT codes, E/M, E/M codes, E/M services, E/M Visits, HIPAA, HIPAA-compliant Telehealth, Tech-enabled Care Models, Telehealth Billing, Telemedicine, Telemedicine Billing, Telemetry, Teleneurology, Teleneurology Billing, Teleneurology CPT Codes, Telestroke, Telestroke Billing, Telestroke CPT CodesWhich CPT Codes are Used in Biologics and Specialty Drugs Billing?

Biologics and specialty drugs represent some of the most innovative and complex pharmaceuticals available today. They are used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions, from cancers to autoimmune disorders. However, these cutting-edge medications also come with high price tags and complex administration requirements. One of the tools used to properly bill and […]
Additional Injectable Drugs, Biologics and Specialty Drugs, CPT Codes for Oral Specialty Drugs, Cytokines, Enbrel, Enzyme-Related Biologics, Hemophilia Clotting Factors, Humira, Immune Globulins, Infusible Biologics, Injectable/Infusible Biologics, Interferons, Monoclonal Antibodies, Remicade, Rituxan, Specialty Drugs10 Medical Coding Mistakes That Could Cost You

Medical coding is a complex and detail-oriented job. Even experienced coders can make mistakes that lead to costly errors and compliance issues. Avoiding common coding mistakes is crucial for accurate reimbursement, proper record-keeping, and avoiding penalties. Medical coding is highly intricate, yet accuracy is critical for proper reimbursement, compliance, and data reporting. Even minor coding […]
(not otherwise specified) codes, AHIMA, AMA, CMS, Coding, Coding Errors, Common Coding Errors, E/M coding, ICD diagnosis code, Incorrect E/M, Medical Coding, Medical Coding Quality, National Correct Coding Initiatives, NCCI Edits, NOS codes, POA indicators, UnbundlingNew Medicare Modifiers XE, XP, XS, XU: Examples of When to Bill Each One

Effective January 1, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced four new HCPCS modifiers for Medicare claims: XE, XP, XS, and XU. These modifiers provide more specificity around the circumstances of service provided. Using these new modifiers correctly is essential for ensuring accurate reimbursement. We provide an overview of modifiers XE, XP, […]
Medicare Modifiers, Modifier XE, Modifier XP, Modifier XS, Modifier XU, Modifiers, X{EPSU} ModifiersBilling Workers’ Compensation: A Guide to Making Claims Through HR

Workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. It covers medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation services. Workers’ comp is regulated at the state level and all businesses are required to have workers’ comp insurance. When an employee is injured on the job, they need to file a claim with their […]
Healthcare, Healthcare Billing, HR, Human Resources, Insurance Adjusters, Lost Wages, Medical, Medical Billing, Revenue Cycle, Revenue Cycle Management, Workers' Comp, Workers' Compensation, Workers' Compensation Billing Process, Workers’ Comp Claim, Workers’ Compensation Billing, Workmans CompThe Top 10 Trends in Medical Billing Software

The healthcare industry has undergone massive changes in recent years, largely driven by advances in technology and data. One area seeing significant innovation is medical billing software. These new solutions are transforming how healthcare providers handle billing, collections, reporting, and revenue cycle management. We analyze the top 10 emerging trends in medical billing software. Knowing […]
Billing Analytics, Billing Dashboard, Cloud-Based Systems, Denial Management, Payment Plan Flexibility, Practice Management Integration, Real-Time Eligibility Checks, Robotic Process Automation, RPA, Self-Service Portals, Total Revenue Integrity, Workflow Rules EnginesManual Medical Billing is Dead, RPA is the Answer

Medical billing has long relied on manual data entry and paperwork to process claims. But this antiquated approach is no longer sustainable in today’s digital healthcare environment. The future of medical billing lies with robotic process automation (RPA). RPA automates repetitive data entry and workflow tasks, increasing efficiency, reducing human error, and allowing medical billers […]
Billing Analytics, Billing Automation, Healthcare, Healthcare Billing, Manual Billing, Medical, Medical Billing, Medical Billing Robotic Process Automation, RCM, Revenue Cycle, Revenue Cycle Management, Robotic Process Automation, RPA, RPA AdoptionWhat are and When to Use Modifier Codes

Modifier codes are an important part of medical billing and coding. They provide additional information about a medical procedure or service to help ensure proper reimbursement. Knowing when to use modifier codes can improve claim accuracy and prevent costly payment delays or denials. We explain what modifier codes are, why they are used, the most […]
Anatomic Modifiers, Bilateral Surgery Modifiers, Billing, Coding, Coding and Billing, CPT, CPT definitions, CPT-10, Global Surgery Modifiers, HCPCS, Healthcare, Healthcare Billing, Medical, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Necessity, NCCI, NCCI Edits, Payer Policies, Procedure Modifiers, Revenue Cycle, Revenue Cycle Management, Revenue Cycle OptimizationWhat’s the Difference Between Comprehensive, Component, and Modifier Codes?

Medical billing and coding is an intricate process that requires the use of different types of codes to accurately document procedures, services, diagnoses, and supplies. Three important types of codes are comprehensive codes, component codes, and modifier codes. Understanding the differences between these code types is crucial for accurate medical billing and reimbursement. Comprehensive Codes […]
-AS, -AT, -CG, -LT, -RT, Adjunct Services, ancillary services, Billing, Bundling, Care Settings, Component Codes, Comprehensive Codes, CPT Manual, Healthcare, Healthcare Billing, Laterality, Medical, Medical Billing, Modifier Codes, Modifiers, Patient Conditions, RCM, Revenue Cycle, Revenue Cycle Management, Revenue Cycle Optimization, Unbundling, Unusual CircumstancesImproper Bundling in Medical Billing: NCCI Rules, Common Errors, How to Stay Compliant

Improper bundling in medical billing occurs when services that should be billed under a single CPT code are instead billed as separate component codes to generate higher reimbursement, a practice CMS classifies as unbundling. The inverse error, combining services that should be billed separately under a single code, results in underpayment and lost revenue. Both […]
Bundling, Improper Bundling, Medical Billing, Modifiers, UnbundlingTop Strategies to Drastically Reduce Claim Denial Rates in 2024

Claim denials continue to be a persistent challenge for healthcare providers in 2024. The costly administrative burden of denied claims and appeals, coupled with lower revenues and margins, puts increasing pressure on organizations to find ways to prevent denials and increase collections. The good news is there are proven strategies providers can implement to proactively […]
Appeals management, Authorizations, Claim Denial Prevention, Denial Rates, Documentation, Medical Necessity, Patient Insurance Eligibility, Pre-Certifications, Preventable Denial Rates, Reducing Denials, verificationThe Complete Guide to Fixing Common Medical Billing Errors

Improve revenue, reduce denials, and ensure compliance by following these expert billing tips for healthcare providers. Frequent billing mistakes can hurt your medical practice’s bottom line. Discover the most common medical billing errors, their financial impact, and proven steps to prevent them. This extensive billing guide for providers, clinics, and medical billers will help fix […]
Automation, Billing Automation, Billing Errors, Common Medical Billing Errors, Compliance, Denial Analytics, Diagnosis Code Errors, Incorrect Modifiers, Medical Billing Errors, MGMA, Missing Pre-Authorizations, Procedure Code Mistakes, Revenue, RPAThe Essential Guide to Medical Billing Automation

Medical practices are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency and increase revenue. Yet many practices are still relying on manual, paper-based billing processes that are tedious, error-prone, and time-consuming. In today’s digital age, automated medical billing is a must for any practice that wants to streamline operations, get paid faster, reduce denied claims, and […]
AI, Artificial Intelligence, Automated Billing, Automating Billing, Billing, Billing Automation, Cloud-based automation, EHR, Healthcare Billing, Medical, Medical Billing, Medical Billing Automation, RCM, Revenue Cycle, Revenue Cycle Management, Revenue Cycle Optimization, Robotic Process Automation, RPA5 Common EHR Gaps and How to Fill Them

Electronic health records (EHRs) have become a core component of healthcare operations. When used effectively, EHRs can improve care coordination, increase efficiency, and provide valuable data insights. However, many healthcare organizations struggle to fully leverage their EHR investments. Gaps in EHR adoption and usage lead to workflow inefficiencies, poor data quality, and suboptimal care. We’ll […]
Care Gap Identification, Clinical Decision Support Underutilization, Coding Gaps, Data Silos, Data Transparency, EHR, EHR (Electronic Health Records), EHR adoption, EHR gaps, EHR Integration, Electronic Health Records, Healthcare, Healthcare Analytics, Medical, Medical Analytics, Medical workflow inefficiencies, Patient Portal Underutilization, Reporting LimitationsThe Reimbursement Model Shift in Medical Billing

The healthcare industry in the United States has undergone massive changes in recent decades. One of the most significant shifts has been in how healthcare providers get reimbursed for services. The traditional fee-for-service model is giving way to value-based models that tie reimbursement to quality of care and patient outcomes. This transformation in reimbursement is […]
Accountable Care Organizations, Billing Operations, Bundled Payments, Capitation, Fee-for-Service, Fee-for-Service Model, P4P, P4P Model, Pay-for-Performance, Reimbursement, Reimbursement Disruption, Value Based System, Value-Based Models, Value-based ReimbursementWhich CPT Codes are Used in Oncology Billing?

Oncology billing involves the use of many complex CPT codes to accurately report services provided to cancer patients. Choosing the right codes is critical for ensuring proper reimbursement and compliance with billing guidelines. We provide an overview of the most common CPT codes used in oncology billing and coding. Evaluation and Management (E/M) Codes E/M […]
Biopsies/Procedures, Cancer, Cancer Billing, Chemo Billing, Chemo Drugs, chemotherapy administration, Chemotherapy Administration Codes, Diagnostic Injections, E/M services, HCPCS, Lab/Pathology, Medical Oncology Services, Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine Billing, Oncology Billing and Coding, Pain Management, Prophylactic, Radiation Oncology Services, Radiation Therapy, Therapeutic, Therapeutic Injections, Treatment Complications10 Trends Set to Transform Medical Billing

The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving, driven by advances in technology, changes in regulations, and shifts in consumer behavior. For medical billing professionals, these changes bring both opportunities and challenges. Staying up-to-date on the latest trends is key to remaining competitive and providing the best possible service to healthcare providers. We’ll explore the top 10 […]
Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Billing RPA, Changing Regulations, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Medical Analytics, Medical Billing, Medical Billing Analytics, Medical Billing Trends, Patient Consumerism, Payment Models, Revenue Cycle Management, Revenue Cycle Optimization, Robotic Process Automation, RPA, Telehealth, Virtual CareHow to Take Your Medical Billing to the Next Level in 2024

Medical billing is a complex and ever-evolving field. With constant changes in regulations, coding guidelines, reimbursement rates, and technology, medical billing services must continuously adapt and improve to stay competitive. Taking your medical billing to the next level requires focusing on efficiency, optimization, training, and utilizing the latest tools and software. Implementing the strategies outlined […]
Clearinghouse, EDI, Healthcare, Healthcare Billing, Medical, Medical Billing, Medical Billing Strategy, RCM, Revenue Cycle, Revenue Cycle Management, Revenue Cycle Optimization, Robotic Process Automation, ROI, RPA