Coding Changes for 2013

ACP Internist published an article with updates on coding changes for 2013. In the article they discussed the revised ICD-9 update schedule as follows:

• Oct 1, 2011 - ICD-9 & ICD-10 code sets
• Oct 1, 2012 - limited code updates for ICD-10 (no updates to ICD-9)
• Oct 1, 2014 - limited code updates to ICD-10 code set (no updates to ICD-9 since it no longer will be used)
• Oct 1, 2015 - regular updates to ICD-10 will begin.

New Care Management Codes

• Will be introduced in 2013
• Reporting and reimbursement of non-face-to-face care for complex, chronic illnesses & have been discharged from a hospital or facility not described in CPT or HCPCS codes.

Complex Chronic Care Codes - allows physicians & qualified health professionals to report the work & time they spend on a patient's care (including non-face-to-face elements)

• 99487
• 99488
• 99489

Transitional Care Management Codes - codes for follow-up care after the patient has been discharged from a facility setting.

• CPT 99495
• communication with the patient or caregiver within two business days of discharge
• MDM of at least moderate complexity during the service period
• face-to-face visit within 14 calendar days 
• CPT 99496
• communication with the patient or caregiver within two business days of discharge
• MDM of at least moderate complexity during the service period
• face-to-face visit within 7 calendar days

For the full article, please click the following link: Variety of Coding Changes Loom For 2013.

For additional billing, coding. and reimbursement resources, please click the following link: Medical Reimbursement Resources Page.