Prolonged Services
Description
In this course, participants will gain comprehensive insights into the intricacies of assigning prolonged service codes in the realm of medical coding. This course covers a range of essential topics, including understanding what prolonged services entail, the latest 2021 updates, and the nuanced CMS interpretations. Students will delve into coding for prolonged services with or without direct patient contact in various healthcare settings, such as outpatient offices and inpatient facilities. Additionally, the course explores prolonged services without patient contact, clinical staff services with supervision, and their organizational impact.
Included Lessons:
- What are Prolonged Services?
- Prolonged Services With or Without Direct Patient Contact on the Date of an Office or Other Outpatient Service – New for 2021
- CMS Interpretation Of Prolonged Services With or Without Direct Patient Contact on the Date of an Office or Other Outpatient Service – New For 2021
- Prolonged Service With Direct Patient Contact Except With Office or Other Outpatient Services
- Prolonged Service Without Direct Patient Contact
- Prolonged Clinical Staff Services With Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional Supervision
- Organizational Impact
CEUs available for the following credentials:
AAPC
COC, CPC, CPC-P, CEMC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM
AHIMA
CCA, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT, RHIA, CDIP, CHDA, CHPS
Key Takeaways
- Understanding of Prolonged Services: Students will have a solid grasp of what prolonged services are in the context of medical coding, including when they are performed and why they are necessary.
- Code Application: Participants will become proficient in assigning appropriate codes for prolonged services, including those with or without direct patient contact, clinical staff services, and those in various healthcare settings, such as outpatient offices and inpatient facilities.
- Latest Updates: Coders will be up-to-date with the latest coding changes and updates, especially those introduced in 2021, such as +99417 and G2212 codes, ensuring their coding practices are compliant and current.
- CMS Interpretations: Students will understand the CMS interpretations related to prolonged services, enabling them to align coding practices with regulatory guidelines and avoid compliance issues.
- Time-Based Billing: Coders will learn how to calculate and bill for prolonged services based on the total time spent, ensuring accurate reimbursement for healthcare providers and facilities.
- Organizational Impact: Participants will recognize the organizational impact of proper coding, as accurate coding is essential for healthcare institutions to receive fair reimbursement and maintain financial health.
Benefits of Taking this Course
- Enhanced Coding Skills
- Proficiency in Assigning Prolonged Service Codes
- Career Advancement
- Professional Confidence
- Reduced Coding Errors
FAQs
What are prolonged services in medical coding?
How do I determine when to use prolonged service codes?
To determine when to use prolonged service codes, you should consider whether the service performed extends significantly beyond the typical time associated with a primary procedure or E/M service. Review the total time spent and ensure it meets the criteria outlined in the relevant coding guidelines, such as those provided by CMS or CPT. Additionally, ensure that the documentation supports the need for prolonged services.
About our Medical Coding Courses
HIAlearn, powered by Health Information Associates (HIA)—a leader in medical coding and auditing for more than three decades—offers a comprehensive online education platform for medical coders. With a catalog of over 200 medical coding courses accepted by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a selection approved by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), HIAlearn caters to both beginners and experienced medical coders seeking to enhance their skills. The platform provides an array of training plans tailored to meet individual learning needs, from mastering challenging coding procedures to understanding broad conceptual frameworks within the coding world. Courses are available across various coding types including CPT, E/M, ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and are designed to cater to different coder levels and coding specialties such as inpatient, outpatient, profee, and CDI. Additionally, HIAlearn offers a Coding Updates bundle to ensure coders are up-to-date with the annual changes in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and IPPS. Beyond individual learning, HIAlearn supports organizations with group discounts, promoting enhanced coding accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across teams.
Overview
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