2011 CPT code updates

Mary LeGrand, RN, MA ,CCS-P,CPC

Significant changes to orthopaedic-related codes and guidelines The orthopaedic-related Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and guideline changes for 2011 are significant. Surgeons and coders should pay special attention to the new, revised, and deleted codes and introductory guideline changes, as well as the new “Coding Tips” throughout the 2011 CPT manual. This article reviews selected orthopaedic code changes for 2011.

How useful is the 22-modifier?

George V. Russell Jr, MD

Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes can be modified to “…report or indicate that a service or procedure which has been performed has been altered by some specific circumstance but not changed in its definition or code,” according to the American Medical Association (AMA), which developed the system. (See “A short history of CPT coding.”) The 22-modifier documents work required to provide a service that is substantially greater than the work typically required.

Technology issues for 2011

Howard Mevis

By Howard Mevis A productive, busy orthopaedic practice relies heavily on digital technology in the provision of patient care. In implementing an electronic medical record (EMR) system, orthopaedic surgeons need to be mindful not only of data security and data storage/infrastructure issues, but also of the system’s impact on patient communications, its ability to interact with other systems, and its limitations.

EMRs: Confronting the challenge

Menachem M. Meller, MD, PhD

By Menachem M. Meller, MD, PhD From note pads to I-pads—and back again Mention electronic medical records (EMR) at a medical staff meeting and the responses range from a smug sense of accomplishment to apprehension. Computerizing medical documents is no different in principle than computerizing grocery items. Some might ask, in a system as complex as health care, what took so long?

Compliance liability may be a greater risk than medical malpractice

David H. Sohn, JD, MD

Most orthopaedic surgeons are well aware of the risks of medical malpractice. But many of those same physicians view compliance regulations as more of a nuisance or hassle than a real concern. They may view hospital compliance officers as trying to make a demanding profession even more onerous and will put off taking mandatory online training modules.

Addressing the medical liability crisis

Thomas Fleeter, MD

AHRQ grants provide for liability alternatives Despite the efforts of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and many other medical specialty societies, the healthcare reform bill of 2010 does not directly address medical liability tort reform. During debates prior to the passage of the bill, President Obama admitted that defensive medicine may contribute to unnecessary costs.