Healthcare

Urology Coding Q&A: Can you explain the difference and appropriate use of modifier -57 vs -25?

By Jonathan Rubenstein, MD, Mark Painter for Urology Times “As always, document well and use the modifiers when appropriate,” advise Jonathan Rubenstein, MD, and Mark Painter. Can you explain the difference and appropriate use of modifier -57 vs -25? Although this may seem like a basic question for many coders, some do not fully understand the difference…

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Average charge for COVID-19 hospitalization, by state

By Alia Paavola for Becker’s Hospital Review The cost of a complex and noncomplex COVID-19 hospitalization in each state varies, according to a new interactive map from Fair Health, an independent nonprofit focused on enhancing price transparency in healthcare. To determine the average cost of both a complex and noncomplex COVID-19 hospitalization across states, Fair Health used…

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CMS unveils billing codes for J&J, Moderna COVID-19 booster doses

Alia Paavola for Becker’s Hospital Review CMS unveiled Medicare Part B billing codes and payment allowances for administering booster doses of the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine for COVID-19. The FDA authorized booster doses for eligible adults Oct. 20 and unveiled the codes two days later. The doses must be available without cost sharing for Medicare,…

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The US’s pandemic era is phasing out. Here’s what that means

Erica Carbajal for Becker’s Hospital Review CDC models predict the nation’s daily COVID-19 cases will drop about 20 percent by Nov. 13, perhaps an early signal of the beginning of the end of COVID-19’s pandemic-level status. The seven-day average for COVID-19 cases has declined for five consecutive weeks, reaching 73,079 as of Oct. 22, CDC data shows. After 19…

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Docs who spend less time in the EHR are more likely to leave their jobs

By Kat Jercich for Healthcare IT News A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open this week found an association with electronic health record usage patterns and physician turnover. But contrary to researchers’ hypothesis, their analysis found that less time in the EHR – especially inbox management – was associated with provider departure.…

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Watch for these urology-related CPT codes this January

By Jonathan Rubenstein, MD, Mark Painter for Urology Times New and updated codes encompass balloon continence devices, hypospadias Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes are continuously being updated. New and updated Category I and III codes will become active on January 1, 2022. In addition, some other Category III codes may be released on July 1 of…

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37% of millennials don’t trust their providers, study shows

By Katie Adams by Becker’s Hospital Review Americans between ages 25 and 34 are most likely to say they don’t always trust their healthcare provider to make the right decisions for them, according to research released by branding agency Monigle. In partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Society for Health Care Strategy and Market Development,…

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7 ways hospitals are verifying employee vaccine cards to combat fakes

By Hannah Mitchell for Becker’s Hospital Review Hospitals are implementing several procedures to verify COVID-19 vaccine cards submitted by employees, as some employees have been linked to using fake cards to bypass vaccine mandates. Several employees at Newark, N.J.-based University Hospital have been fired for submitting fake vaccine cards to comply with its COVID-19 vaccine mandate. New…

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Hospitals projected to lose $54 billion in net income this year

By Susan Morse for Healthcare News Higher expenses for labor, drugs and supplies as well as a continuation of delayed care during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is projected to cost hospitals an estimated $54 billion in net income over the course of this year, according to a new Kaufman Hall analysis released by the American Hospital Association. Hospitals…

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