Azalea Health Innovations Friends Newsletter – July 2011
IN THIS ISSUE
* Welcome
* Azalea Health Innovations is committed to HIPAA 5010 Conversion
* Tips on Safe Internet Browsing
* Billing Tip: Bilateral Services and CPT Modifier 50
* Upcoming Events
———-
Welcome
Greetings to all of our Azalea Health Innovations friends and thank you for reading this month’s Newsletter. Hope everyone has a Happy Independence Day!
———
Azalea Health Innovations is committed to HIPAA 5010 Conversion
On January 1, 2012, providers, clearinghouses and health plans must change to a new standard format for submitting electronic claims information.
The switch from the current 4010A1 format to the new 5010 format requires substantial changes to the claims information you submit. If these changes are not made, reimbursement could be delayed. The following tips will help you prepare for the transition:
- Contact Azalea Health Innovations to answer any questions you may have regarding the conversion. If you are currently using Azalea PM™ as your practice management system you can rest assure that our system can accommodate both the data collection and transactions needed for 5010.
- Stay current with your claim submissions. Being as up-to-date with claims submissions will reduce the number of outstanding claims and increase the ability to complete payment processing for these services without disruptions.
- Prepare for “urgent” system corrections now. Establish procedures to handle any urgent corrections needed for practice management and billing systems. If system upgrades are done by internal staff, identify which staff members need to be involved. If vendors are involved, find out what processes they have in place to handle urgent needs.
Gateway EDI, an Azalea Health clearinghouse partner, can help you with the 5010 conversion. For more tips and advice, visit www.gatewayedi.com/5010.
———-
Tips on Safe Internet Browsing
Unless you’re an expert on how to spot inappropriate or criminal websites, simply browsing the internet can pose many security risks to both your computer and yourself! These malicious websites can contain things such as viruses and spyware, collectively known as malware. They also use tactics called “Phishing” or “Pharming” which are attacks used to obtain your credit card or personal information in order to steal your identity. This is why it’s important to take simple security precautions such as downloading security software. Security software can be anti-virus, anti-spyware, or a firewall. Even better is downloading a security system that includes all three. It’s also important to keep your computer up to date and the best way to do that is by using an up to date web browser which will make it harder for hackers to get into your computer to begin with. Using an up to date browser not only delivers better security, but also aides in faster internet browsing. Visit the following link to upgrade your internet browser today!
———-
Billing Tip: Bilateral Services and CPT Modifier 50
According to Medicare, bilateral services are procedures performed on both sides of the body during the same operative session or on the same day. The modifier “50” is not applicable to procedures that are bilateral by definition or their descriptions include the terminology as “bilateral” or “unilateral”
As defined in the CPT, Modifier “50″ Bilateral Procedure: Unless otherwise identified in the listing bilateral procedures that are performed at the same operative session should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate five digit code.
Modifier 50, is used to report diagnostic, radiology and surgical procedures. Modifier 50 applies to any bilateral procedure performed on both sides at the same session. Do not use Modifiers RT and LT when modifier 50 applies. A bilateral procedure is reported on one line using modifier 50. The quantity entry to use when modifier -50 is reported is one.
NOTE: Use of modifiers applies to services/procedures performed on the same calendar day.
Reimbursement for bilateral services is determined using the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database (MPFSDB). The MPFSDB defines procedures that may be substituted as “bilateral” and how reimbursement is calculated.
1. The “Bilateral Surgery Indicator” (Field 22) in the MPFSDB indicates how the bilateral service must submitted to Medicare
2. To access this database, refer to the CMS web site at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/pfslookup/step0.asp
3. The concept of a “bilateral service” applies when a procedure is performed on both sides of the body during the same operative session or on the same day.
———
Upcoming Events
AHI will be exhibiting our Azalea PM™ product, Revenue Cycle Management Services, and much more at the MGMA / Summer Conference in Destin, FL. The conference will be held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort. August 1-3, 2011.
We hope to see all of you at our upcoming events!
———-
Thank you!
Azalea Health Innovations, Inc.
105 West Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601
Toll Free: 877-777-7686
Local: 229-269-4620
Toll Free Fax: 866-683-8679
Web: http://www.AzaleaHealth.com
Email: info@azaleahealth.com
Click the links below to stay in touch:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Azalea-Health-Innovations/145238319941?ref=ts
http://twitter.com/azaleahealth
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2791313&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.youtube.com/user/azaleahealth
