Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry has witnessed a drastic transformation owing to accelerated technological advancements. One area impacted by the revolution is the orthopedic industry. As the orthopedic industry continues to rapidly evolve, surgeons and medical coders are tasked with keeping up with emerging trends so they can optimize and integrate them into their practices. Orthopedic coders have a significant role in the orthopedic medical coding and billing process.  

However, it is crucial to keep up with the latest coding changes as even minor errors in coding can lead to potential fraud or denied claims. To prevent such issues, it is essential to minimize the time spent on fixing coding problems. Healthcare providers should prioritize maximizing their revenue, reducing claim denials, and avoiding HIPAA audit risks. 

Orthopedic Practices in 2024 

An ambulatory surgery center, or ASC, is a healthcare facility that provides outpatient surgical care, meaning patients can return home on the same day as their procedure. ASCs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their efficiency compared to hospital outpatient departments. The monthly average volume of claims at ASCs has increased by 47% between 2020 and 2021.  

ASCs need to adapt to new codes such as the CPT codes and the ICD-10 system. This is necessary to ensure compliance with healthcare reforms, avoid claim denials, and receive prompt reimbursement for their services. 

The Importance of Trained Orthopedic Coders 

Orthopedic surgeons cannot afford to miss out on rightful payments. Accurate medical coding is crucial for timely reimbursements. Hiring experienced coders who can handle the complexities of orthopedic coding is becoming imperative. 

Coders in orthopedic practices require a strong grasp of different procedures and their specific terminologies. Understanding the nuances of coding for orthopedic surgeries and similar procedures is essential. For instance, a lack of knowledge about applying modifiers for complex surgeries could lead to delayed or denied payments for physicians. 

Due to the high demand and shortage of experienced orthopedic surgery coders, providers look to benefit from outsourcing orthopedic billing services to specialized medical billing companies. Apart from that, Orthopedic centers can invest in advanced technologies such as AI orthopedic medical coding tools. 

Entities like MediCodio offer comprehensive AI-based orthopedic medical coding solutions and services. Effective revenue cycle management solutions help providers in reducing coding and billing expenses. 

Avoiding Common Coding Mistakes 

Orthopedic coders needed to avoid coding errors like unbundling (incorrect application of modifier 59), failure to establish the medical necessity of orthopedic diagnoses, and not staying updated on specific rules for orthopedic surgery and procedures. To ensure timely payments, coders had to avoid these common errors, including issues related to co-morbidities and complexities stemming from intricate medical rules. 

Learning from Past Denials 

Factors such as understaffing, inadequate training, flawed patient registration, limited software knowledge, and a lack of accountability for sloppy work can all contribute to denials. 

To prevent future denials, it is crucial to identify the reasons behind these denials and streamline the coding process. Diligent insurance verification, automated medical coding tools, automated billing services, and accurate patient information collection are the key steps in this regard. 

Preparing for Coding Changes 

The American Medical Association (AMA) releases an updated list of codes known as Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes every year. For the year 2024, there are more than 200 new CPT codes, over 100 revised CPT codes, and more than 50 deleted CPT codes. It is crucial to review the CPT code changes for 2024 to ensure you are using the correct code for the services you provide. 

Key Considerations for Orthopedic Medical Coders in Orthopedic Medical Coding and Billing 

Orthopedic medical coders play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate billing and reimbursement for orthopedic procedures. As the landscape of healthcare continually evolves, orthopedic coding demands a thorough understanding of intricacies specific to this specialized field. Here are essential considerations that orthopedic medical coders must keep in mind for effective orthopedic medical coding and billing: 

• • Comprehensive Knowledge of Orthopedic Procedures: Orthopedic coders must possess a deep understanding of orthopedic procedures, terminology, and specific coding requirements. Proficiency in coding for surgeries, fracture treatments, joint replacements, and other orthopedic interventions is critical. Familiarity with CPT and ICD-10 codes pertaining to orthopedics is non-negotiable for accurate billing. 

• • Stay Updated with Coding Changes: The field of medical coding undergoes frequent updates and revisions. Orthopedic coders must stay abreast of these changes, especially concerning orthopedic coding guidelines, new codes, modifiers, and compliance requirements. Regular training and continuous education are vital to ensure adherence to the latest coding standards. 

• • Emphasis on Accuracy and Precision: Precision in coding is paramount to prevent claim denials or delays in reimbursement. Orthopedic coders must pay attention to detail, ensuring accurate documentation and code assignment. This includes correctly applying modifiers, specifying medical necessity, and aligning codes with the services rendered. 

• • Compliance and Documentation Integrity: Upholding compliance standards and maintaining documentation integrity are crucial aspects of orthopedic billing. Coders should ensure that the codes accurately reflect the services provided, supporting the medical necessity of the procedures performed. Adherence to HIPAA regulations and other industry-specific compliance measures is essential. 

• • Effective Communication with Providers: Collaboration between orthopedic coders and healthcare providers is essential for accurate coding and billing. Clear communication regarding coding guidelines, documentation requirements, and any specific nuances of procedures helps in optimizing the billing process. 

• • Vigilance in Avoiding Common Errors: Orthopedic coders should actively avoid common coding errors, such as unbundling, upcoding, undercoding, and insufficient documentation. Analyzing and rectifying past errors can significantly enhance coding accuracy and prevent future claim denials.

• • Utilize Technology and Resources: Leveraging technology-driven solutions and industry resources can streamline orthopedic billing processes. Coding software, online resources, and specialized orthopedic coding guides can assist coders in accurate code selection and documentation. 

• • Continuous Quality Improvement: Regular audits and quality checks within the coding process are essential to identify potential issues and improve accuracy. Feedback mechanisms and performance evaluations help in refining coding practices. 

The Right Solution for Orthopedic Medical Coding 

MediCodio offers AI medical coding solutions for all specialties, including Orthopedics.  

A streamlined and optimized medical coding process allows for a less hectic coding experience. An AI-powered medical coding system helps healthcare providers and ambulatory surgery centers reduce manual coding errors and accurately process claims. 

Using MediCodio’s CODIO, an AI medical coding tool, you can process more claims accurately, improving revenue, efficiency, and productivity.   

If you are looking to automate the Orthopedic Medical Coding process, get in touch with us to get a guided free trial a CODIO! 

Read more: Unlocking Efficiency in Ambulatory Clinics with AI Medical Coding Tools