DiscoverMastering MedicareEpisode 21: CPT Codes and How You Get Paid in Medicare
Episode 21: CPT Codes and How You Get Paid in Medicare

Episode 21: CPT Codes and How You Get Paid in Medicare

Update: 2023-06-061
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Description


  • Discussion topic: Getting paid through the Medicare system

  • Introduction to CPT codes and HICPICS codes

  • Medicare's payment process for healthcare providers

  • Future guests and topics related to Medicare reimbursement

  • Mention of the Aging Here newsletter and interview opportunities

  • Differentiating between CPT codes and ICD-10 codes

  • History and purpose of CPT codes

  • Explanation of RVUs (Relative Value Units) and how doctors are paid

  • Simplified process of submitting CPT codes to Medicare for payment

  • Potential fraud issues in fee-for-service Medicare

  • Importance of documentation and medical necessity for CPT codes

  • Challenges with lack of comprehensive guidelines for new codes

  • Providers struggle with the interpretation and utilization of CPT codes.

  • Some codes are rarely utilized, while others require expertise to maximize billing.

  • Coding rules can be complex, with restrictions on code combinations and frequency of billing.

  • Providers face the risk of financial penalties or legal consequences for incorrect coding.

  • Medicare is a significant payer and requires compliance with its rules.

  • Physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants primarily use CPT codes.

  • Modifiers can be used to bill for additional services or special circumstances.

  • Hospice CPT codes exist separately from Part B coding.

  • CPT codes have RVUs (Relative Value Units) that determine payment.

  • RVUs are divided into work RVUs, which assess the labor involved in a procedure.

  • Work RVUs consider time, technical skill, physical effort, mental effort, judgment, and stress.

  • Work RVUs are subject to negotiation and lobbying each year.

  • The conversion factor translates RVUs into payment amounts.

  • The conversion factor is subject to annual adjustments and can significantly impact reimbursement.

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Episode 21: CPT Codes and How You Get Paid in Medicare

Episode 21: CPT Codes and How You Get Paid in Medicare

Mastering Medicare