Error-Free Cardiology Billing

By
Piyush Kedia
March 2, 2023
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Cardiology is an expensive medical field and faces special billing and coding challenges not encountered in many other fields of medicine.  

In cardiology practice, a cardiology biller must navigate complex procedure rules and remain up to date with changing codes and billing regulations for error-free cardiology billing. Cardiology billing is vulnerable to a multitude of errors and oversights. Such errors will subject your practice to potential loss of revenue and act as a detrimental force. Fortunately, preemptive measures can be put in place to ensure uninterrupted cash flow and smooth functioning. 

Follow the best practices mentioned below to overcome the challenges of error-free cardiology billing: 

  • Documentation 

The tricky nature of cardiology documents warrants meticulous precision. A cardiology biller is faced with having to enter multiple codes for each cardiology patient and then the complex processes of entering up to seven numbers and letters for every code. Entering the exact procedural code is a prerequisite to quick and problem-free processing of claims for error-free cardiology billing. When it comes to accuracy, you can never let your guard down.  

  • Billing and coding changes 

Additions, deletions, and revisions in coding requirements are commonplace in the industry. It is crucial for billers to keep track of these changes in order to protect the flow of revenue. Make it a point to refer to the CMS website and stay aware of state regulations.  

  • Combo codes and symptom codes 

ICD-10-CM has a range of combination codes for various conditions and procedures. It helps the insurer understand the exact condition of the patience. Therefore, when there are clear instructions of codes to “use additional code” or “code first”, use them to make things clearer. However, avoid doing that if there are no specific instructions to report additional codes for signs and symptoms. Assigning other codes for any associated disease symptoms and signs is unnecessary, specially if there is a confirmed diagnosis with a related code for the diagnosis. Using symptom codes could result in delays and denials for error-free cardiology billing .  

  • Comorbidities 

A biller must consider comorbidities in case of cardiology patients. This gives the payer an idea of the patient’s condition and allows him to estimate the expected payment required for the patient.  

  • Billing software 

It is crucial to find a billing software that aligns with your cardiology practice. It is advised to learn and work with the latest PMS and EMR that is HIPPA compliant so that the scope of errors is decreased, and revenue is not interrupted.  

  • Highest specificity 

While billing for cardiology, billers must remember that it is essential to document the diagnosis and code it to its highest degree or specificity. Failing to code a diagnosis to its highest specificity would have an undesirable impact on reimbursement.  

Choose the biller that is right for your practice! 

With such a wide scope of error and revenue loss, it is prudent to embrace a partner with a proven track record in error-free cardiology billing. When each one of us do what we are trained to do, errors can be avoided. In healthcare, it is important that you remain focused on providing the highest quality of care. 

EMPClaims boasts of certified coders, drastic claim denials and transparency with clients.  

CONTACT US to save time and money on error-free cardiology billing