A question I’m often asked is, “Why do physicians charge so much?” There’s no easy answer, as there isn’t a fixed price list for medical services. Due to the healthcare system’s complexity and the absence of set prices, providers are largely free to charge what the market will bear. However, can there be consequences for […] The post Can physicians charge whatever they want to Insurance Payers? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Jul 01, 2025•14 min
Engaging with “bad actors” in medical billing can have serious consequences for both patients and healthcare providers. More and more providers are engaging without checking. Here’s what could happen. Terry discusses it all with examples. Legal repercussions: Providers can face hefty fines, civil or criminal charges, and even loss of their medical license for engaging […] The post Watch out for “bad actors” on billing advice appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Jun 24, 2025•15 min
In this episode, Terry challenges all medical professionals. What is your role in managing the patient experience? A lack of patient prep can lead to an incomplete encounter for the physician including excessive visits. It can also lead to leakage in all departments, including the RCM staff’s ability to perform their job. Terry offers her […] The post Is the provider “prepared” to see the patient? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Jun 17, 2025•16 min
Since the implementation of the No Surprises Act (NSA) in January 2022, out-of-network (OON) reimbursement has become a complex and resource-heavy challenge for hospital and health system revenue cycle leaders. Although designed to shield patients from unexpected medical bills, the legislation has placed continuous financial pressure on physician practices and hospital systems. It has led […] The post No Surprises Act and OON Claims appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Jun 10, 2025•21 min
Medical necessity is defined as services that are reasonable and necessary for diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury, or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member and are not excluded under another provision of the Medicare Program. Unfortunately, we have many practices trying to slide under the radar the experimental and/or […] The post Medicare Rules For Experimental or Investigational Services appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Jun 03, 2025•16 min
Terry discusses Behavioral Health services, best practices documentation and coding specifics. Also, Terry offers some bonus discussion on RAC auditors trying to bait providers into not responding to ADR requests. Check out this episode for intel on these important topics and more. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – […] The post Behavioral Health Coding and Documentation appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
May 27, 2025•16 min
With all of the AI implementation into EHR and EMR systems, there is concern about how providers rely on these AI shortcuts more than ever. Without proper safeguards, accountability, and compliance perimeters, relying on AI could be problematic. Terry discusses the red flags to look for and how to proceed with caution in this new […] The post Did you know AI is integrated into EMRs? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
May 20, 2025•16 min
The 2023 CPT® Errata and Technical Corrections added a one-liner on Independent Interpretations that responds to the question, “Can a practitioner get credit for both ordering and interpretation of a test, if documented?” In this episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry answers this question referencing the March 2023 CPT® Errata and Technical Corrections. She also […] The post Can you get credit for ordering and interpretation of a test? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
May 13, 2025•13 min
The 2021/2023 E/M guideline revisions read: “The evaluation and/or treatment should be consistent with the likely nature of the condition.” Before this, the CPT® guidelines did not discuss medical necessity. Guidance was left to the payers, particularly Medicare, via the Social Security Act. CMS’s guidance doesn’t necessarily hold regulatory authority. However, it often reflects a new, shared […] The post Medical Necessity Comes Before Coding appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
May 06, 2025•13 min
It’s time for another round of frequently asked questions as Terry’s expertise covers orthopedic surgery, imaging, data points for E/M, and administrative charges for practices. She also answers questions relating to multiple E/Ms on the same date by the same and different physicians from the same group practice. Tune in for a lot of good […] The post Top 10 Tuesday Q&A – Coding, Billing, and Compliance Questions appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Apr 29, 2025•20 min
We all know the age-old question, “Where does it say that?” In this episode, Terry brings receipts, explaining it’s been this way since 2003: “Reviewing results of laboratory tests, phoning results to patients, filing such results, etc., are Medicare-covered services. Payment is included in the physician fee schedule payment for the evaluation and management (E/M) services to […] The post Giving Tests Results to Patients… Where’s the Payment? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Apr 22, 2025•15 min
An ADR (Additional Documentation Request) is a request from CMS or another insurance payer for additional documentation to review a claim. Most of these requests come from payer investigative units looking for medical necessity support. Terry discusses how to handle these requests, as well as how to ensure they are addressed promptly to meet the […] The post ADR Workflow Tips appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Apr 15, 2025•18 min
If the provider discusses their preferred management options with the patient, do they receive the “risk” credit even if the patient declines it? If yes, how long do they get to capture it? Terry breaks down, citing references, how to handle this MR element and ensure the providers are receiving the correct “risk” value for […] The post Who Gets the Credit for MDM Risk Element? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Apr 08, 2025•11 min
In this episode of the CodeCast podcast, Terry discusses the differences between APCM and CCM services and what is needed to report either. Compliance issues are seen with many care management service records. Terry covers how to follow best practices to ensure you follow the published guidance. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our […] The post APCM Focus appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Apr 01, 2025•16 min
Medical Coding provides standardized language that ensures all healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care are on the same page. The coder’s role is to be accurate, communicative, insightful and focused on a positive patient outcome. A patient’s financial health can impact their clinical health, and medical coders need to be recognized for their role […] The post The Crucial Role of the Coder in Quality Patient Care appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Mar 25, 2025•9 min
This week’s CodeCast summarizes the recent ICD-10-CM documentation guidelines instructions on sepsis, obesity, and COVID-19 reporting. Terry also provides more guidance on E/M risk in prescription drug management and caution with PSAs in patient documentation. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX TuneIn ...
Mar 18, 2025•15 min
More medical claims denials could be avoided if coders took the extra minute to make sure that the diagnoses that need to be linked to a specific line item were pre-billed. Also, when billing for diagnostic procedures on a complaint that moves to a minor, therapeutic, or surgical procedure, denials will happen when the diagnosis […] The post Avoiding Insurance Denials appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Mar 11, 2025•12 min
Terry takes some inspiration from Stephanie Allard’s February 27th for this edition of the CodeCast podcast. Terry discusses the differences and subjective issues between Acute Uncomplicated Illness (or Injury) versus Acute Complicated Illness in the E/M elements of coding and auditing. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 […] The post Acute Uncomplicated vs. Acute ...
Mar 04, 2025•16 min
Terry’s answering your coding questions in this week’s “Top 10” Q&A. In this episode Terry’s covering APCM, E/M, skin procedures, lab billing, and even a Telehealth bonus. Tune in for insights you won’t want to miss! Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX TuneIn – https://tunein.com/radio/CodeCast–Medi...
Feb 25, 2025•23 min
Terry is under the weather this week, so she gives us a quick segment on the E/M Data point, “independent interpretation”. See page 12 of CPT® under independent interpretation, the last sentence. “A test that is ordered and independently interpreted may count as both a test ordered and interpreted.” Suppose you bill for the professional and […] The post Independent Interpretations of E/M Data Points appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Feb 18, 2025•7 min
Some coders remain confused about Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs) — but that’s about to change. In this episode, Terry discusses denials from Part B MACs for what you may think is an undetermined reason. However, a possibility is running up against MUEs. The edits, which are designed to prevent over-payments caused by serious billing errors, […] The post How do MUEs Work in Coding? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Feb 11, 2025•16 min
The third element of MDM for E/M Services is “Risk of Complications and/or Morbidity or Mortality of Patient Management”. Many believe that only the risk in this element is how you level your E/M, but that is false. There are three elements to a E/M service when using MDM. There are several risks including the […] The post E/M MDM Third Element Complications appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Feb 04, 2025•15 min
Everyone knows that you cannot routinely waive or fail to collect the obligation of patient cost-sharing. However, we know that there are instances where (1) the patient has a bad experience, (2) the patient will not pay or is not collectible, and (3) the patient has a hardship. Here are several policies your practices can […] The post Professional Courtesy appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Jan 28, 2025•11 min
The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) has many benefits over handwritten entries in a paper chart. EMR entries are always legible, dated, and timed. Patient information can be available at the point of care and remotely. Some EMR systems include computerized physician order entry and decision-support tools to improve patient care and safety. However, recent audits […] The post EMR Clinical Documentation Integrity appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Jan 21, 2025•16 min
There’s a lot of confusion – and conjecture – on what to do about audio-only Telehealth while the new CMS and HHS administrations settle in under a new President in 2025. The final rule, the federal register, and the last CR made things more vague for this transition. In this episode Terry attempts to clear […] The post Audio-Only Telehealth in 2025 appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Jan 14, 2025•13 min
When auditing Annual Wellness Visits (AWV), is the concept still the same as preventive exams concerning modifier 25? The AWV does not include managing medications or managing conditions. However, the rules need to see medical necessity for the E/M on the same date with a -25 modifier. Remember, patients do not have a share of […] The post AWV and Medical Necessity Extras appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Jan 07, 2025•15 min
This New Year’s Eve episode of the Top 10 Tuesday Q&A includes E/M Data questions, assistants at surgery, colon screenings, Telehealth extensions, and prescription drug management questions. It’s an episode you don’t want to miss. Happy New Year Everyone! Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/codecast-medical-billing-coding-insights/id1305926627 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1lA69Q7EnjSMuVr3sXVWlX […] The ...
Dec 31, 2024•22 min
In the final hour, Congress passed the American Relief Act. Telehealth was addressed and the geographical location was extended through March 2025. Terry give us the details from this HR bill in this short but sweet episode so you can enjoy your Christmas holiday. Subscribe and Listen You can subscribe to our podcasts via: Apple […] The post Did We Get a Congressional Telehealth Gift for Christmas? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Dec 24, 2024•6 min
E/M Coding still has confusion when capturing “data points” elements. When deciding to give credit for either an independent interpretation (CAT 2) or a review of test results (CAT 1) is an often misunderstood component of the Medical Decision Making (MDM) table. Proper documentation of independent interpretation is required to impact the MDM, and consequently, […] The post Data Point – Review of Test or Independent Interpretation? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Dec 17, 2024•19 min
The 2025 CPT® codes will impact billing and coding across various specialties. The annual CPT® updates include new, revised, and deleted codes and coding guidelines effective Jan 1st, 2025. CPT® 2025 includes 270 new codes, 112 revised codes, and 49 deleted codes. There are no code changes for anesthesia, respiratory, or auditory services. The most […] The post CPT 2025 Looksee appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc. ....
Dec 10, 2024•21 min
