CodeCast | Medical Billing and Coding Insights

The FY 2027 update takes effect October 1, 2026, for outpatient encounters and inpatient discharges beginning on that date. Both the diagnosis code changes and the updated Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting deserve attention. When Terry reviews an annual update, she thinks about the entire process. The provider documents the condition, the physician or coder selects the diagnosis, and that selection makes it onto the claim. In today’s CodeCast Podcast, Terry gives a specialized overview of the new ICD-10-CM codes for the 2027 FY effective date October 1st, along with some educational tips for providers and coders. Subscribe and Listen Find all of Terry’s official links in one place: https://www.terryfletcher.net/links The post ICD-10-CM 2027 Update appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

Few questions get a stronger reaction from Terry than, “How can I get around that rule?” When providers, coders, or other healthcare professionals ask how to work around a coding, billing, or regulatory requirement, Terry’s response is clear: compliance isn’t about finding a loophole—it’s about understanding the rules and applying them correctly. In this episode, Terry breaks down her position using regulatory guidance, coding and billing requirements, and established compliance principles. The goal isn’t simply to get a claim paid; it’s to support accurate reporting, defensible documentation, ethical billing practices, and the highest standards of professional integrity. Listen in for the latest discussion in our ongoing pursuit of the truth—where facts, guidance, and compliance come before shortcuts. Subscribe and Listen Find all of Terry’s official links in one place: https://www.terryfletcher.net/links The post Please don’t try to get around the Healthcare System appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

Terry discusses the specialty of Podiatry procedural coding, to include some ankle surgeries, and other complex foot surgeries. She also strongly advises not to add CPT or ICD-10-CM codes to operative reports as this now handcuffing the provider to those codes whether they are over or under coded or incorrect as this report would suggest. Listen in to get the details. Subscribe and Listen Find all of Terry’s official links in one place: https://www.terryfletcher.net/links The post Podiatry Procedural Coding appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

Obstetric coders have likely started to report E/M visits for newly pregnant patients, but they still have a few months before they need to use the full set of new and revised codes and guidelines for maternity care services as we head into 2027. Terry brings in some recent questions and answers to to help train your team and determine where more research or training is necessary before the full code system goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027. A contributing article in Part B news from 9/28 also was used for this episode. Subscribe and Listen Find all of Terry’s official links in one place: https://www.terryfletcher.net/links The post Obstetrics Coding for 2027 appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

Emergency Department and Critical Care Services are often incorrectly coded because the documentation lacks clarity. Terry discusses the elements necessary to have compliant ER documentation and also what CC services need to make sure they are supported for billing. Subscribe and Listen Find all of Terry’s official links in one place: https://www.terryfletcher.net/links The post ER and Critical Care Services Coding appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..