2024 Coding Guide-1: Coding Basics

1: Coding Basics

Pdf Summary

The AANEM 2023 Coding Guide provides information on coding basics for medical procedures. The guide begins with a disclaimer, stating that while efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, the AANEM accepts no liability for the information provided. The guide is not intended to establish fees or encourage actions that would violate any laws. <br /><br />The guide explains that CPT™ codes are used to describe medical procedures and facilitate communication between health care providers and insurance companies. Providers are reimbursed based on the codes submitted to insurance companies. CPT™ codes have evolved over time, with the AMA updating the CPT™ Manual annually to reflect changes in medicine.<br /><br />Category I codes are widely accepted in the medical community and have FDA approval and proven clinical efficacy. Category II codes are used for performance measurement and reporting quality measures. Category III codes are temporary codes for new and emerging technologies.<br /><br />The guide also covers important symbols used in the guide, such as indicating code revisions, add-on codes, and new codes. It explains that CPT™ codes can be stand-alone or indented codes, with indented codes being associated with the stand-alone codes that precede them.<br /><br />The concept of global periods is introduced, which indicates the number of post-operative days of care included in the payment for a procedure or surgery. The guide provides examples of different global periods and explains that postoperative care may or may not be included in the payment depending on the code.<br /><br />Finally, helpful hints for claims submission are provided, including listing the correct Medicare identification number, place of service, and modifiers, as well as using the correct diagnosis code and resubmitting a completely new claim if necessary.<br /><br />Overall, the AANEM 2023 Coding Guide provides a basic understanding of coding principles and guidelines for medical procedures.

Keywords

AANEM 2023 Coding Guide

coding basics

medical procedures

CPT codes

reimbursement

Category I codes

Category II codes

Category III codes

global periods

claims submission