1. Rating: +19

   
   
   
   
   
   

   What is the Code Lookup?

   Code lookup is a collection of five different sections:
   CPT, ICD, HCPCS, CCI-Edit, and Fee-Schedule

2. Rating: +2

   
   
   
   
   
   

   How do I use the Supercoder Search?

   Supercoder provides various ways to perform search :

    

   1) On a Category basis
   2) Header search
   3) Advance Search
   4) Index page (this is similar to Codelookup menu search).

    

   Categories Basis : If you want to search on CPT/HCPCS/ICD then you can directly go to Menu, place cursor on Code lookup, the sub menus will come-up, then click on one of them such as CPT, ICD, HCPCS etc. to perform search. Similarly, search can be directly done on categories like Articles/Alerts, CMS section while surfing the menus.

    

   If you enter the keyword in the header search text box then you do not need to specify the category, the search results will come from Articles.

    

   You can search on a single keyword using various categories using the Advance search.

3. Rating: +10

   
   
   
   
   
   

   How do I search for CPT codes?

   Go to the Code lookup section and select CPT. There are three options that are presented to you in order to look for a code. They are as follows:

    

   1) Search by code- Enter a CPT code (e.g. 90376) into the box and select the “submit” button. The search result will then display the CPT code with its description. In order to gain information about the same CPT code such as the Fee Schedule, CCI edits, Supercoder Lay Description, Guidelines, and more, just click on the hyperlinked CPT code number (e.g. 90376).

    

   2) Search by Keyword- Select the option to “Search by Keyword” and enter any whole or part of any terminology or procedure. You have the option to search either by “Any keyword” or “Actual Keyword”. If you were to type in “cataract”, you would receive search results with several CPT codes where the term “cataract” is mentioned. Select the CPT code desired to view the code description. In order to gain information about the same CPT code such as the Fee Schedule, CCI edits, Supercoder Lay Description, Guidelines, and more, just click on the hyperlinked CPT code number.

    

   3) Search by index - Once at the CPT page, you can search any section by clicking on the various specialties mentioned. This allows you to delve further into the code section, their subsections, and the actual code.

4. Rating: +1

   
   
   
   
   
   

   How do I search for ICD-9-CM codes?

   Go to the Code lookup section and select ICD-9. There are three options that are presented to you in order to look for a code. They are as follows:

    

   1) Search by code- - Enter an ICD-9 code (e.g. 789.00) into the box and select the “submit” button. The search result will then display the ICD-9 code with its description. In order to gain information about the same ICD-9 code such as the Supercoder Lay Description, Guidelines, Section Notes, Pictures, and more, just click on the hyperlinked ICD-9 code number (e.g. 789.00).

    

   2) Search by Keyword- Select the option to “Search by Keyword” and enter any whole or part of any terminology or procedure. You have the option to search either by “Any keyword” or “Actual Keyword”. If you were to type in “cataract”, you would receive search results with several CPT codes where the term “cataract” is mentioned. Select the CPT code desired to view the code description. In order to know more about the ICD code such as the Supercoder Lay Description, Guidelines, Section Notes, Pictures, and more, just click over the hyperlinked ICD-9 code.

    

   3) Search by index - Once at the ICD-9 page, you can search any section by clicking on the various specialties mentioned. This allows you to delve further into the code section, their subsections, and the actual code.

5. Rating: +5

   
   
   
   
   
   

   What are CCI edits?

   The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed the National Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) to promote national correct coding methodologies and to control improper coding that leads to inappropriate payment in Part B. The CMS developed its coding policies based on coding conventions defined in the American Medical Association's CPT manual, national and local policies and edits, coding guidelines developed by national societies, analysis of standard medical and surgical practices, and a review of current coding practices.

6. Rating: +5

   
   
   
   
   
   

   How do I use CCI edits?

   Supercoder.com CCI edit allows you to validate a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 25 CPT and HCPCS codes together. Furthermore, the user also has the option to validate a code for the last quarter by marking the small box available that says: ‘Select to validate using last quarter's data’.

    

   In order to use the CCI edit function, go to the Tools section and click on “CCI edit”. Enter a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 25 CPT or HCPCS code and select the “Validate” button. If there are any mistakes, you also have the choice to clear all of the codes together. Results are displayed using a color-coded system to denote changes in the codes as appropriate.

    

   The color-coded system is as follows:
   Pink = These codes cannot be billed together in any circumstances.
   Orange = These codes can be billed together with a modifier.
   Green = There is no bundling issue.

7. Rating: +3

   
   
   
   
   
   

   What is a Fee Schedule?

   A fee schedule is a complete listing of fees that is used by Medicare to pay doctors or other providers/suppliers. This comprehensive listing of fee maximums is used to reimburse a physician and/or other providers on a fee-for-service basis. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) develops fee schedules for physicians, ambulance services, clinical laboratory services, and durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and other such supplies.

8. Rating: +0

   
   
   
   
   
   

   How do I use Fee schedule?

   Supercoder.com Fee Schedule allows you to calculate the fee’s amount or RVU’s as per the current guidelines.

    

   In order to use the Fee Schedule, go to Tools section and click on “Fee schedule”. Enter the CPT/HCPCS codes, select your Medicare carrier (you can make your carrier the default carrier for you by selecting the box that says 'Make it default'), and then select the “calculate” button. Search results will display RVU’s for a non-facility, facility, modifier guidelines, and the global value for a specific CPT/HCPCS code.

9. Rating: +6

   
   
   
   
   
   

   What are Specialty Articles/Books?

   Supercoder.com specialty articles are based upon different coding specialties. There is a collection of 24 different specialty articles covering topics such as anesthesia, oncology, part B, and more. You can find both recent and older updates to the specialties, the older of which are very helpful during denial handling. In order to use this function, select your specialty and browse the articles for the topic you are interested in.

10. Rating: +1

    
    
    
    
    
    

    How do I browse and search for Specialty Articles/Books?

    Go to the “Library” section and select your specialty. You can see all the latest updates starting from the most recent to the oldest for any specialty of your choosing. You can also use the search box to help you narrow down your search, using the option to search either by “Any keyword” or “Actual Keyword”.

11. Rating: +4

    
    
    
    
    
    

    How do I obtain a CEU?

    Based on the categories that you subscribe to, you will have access to a subset of the CEU exams we offer. You can start taking an exam by visiting the CEU page ( http://www.supercoder.com/specialty-articles/ceus/) and select any exam visible to you. If no exams are visible, you may need to upgrade your subscription.

12. Rating: +1

    
    
    
    
    
    

    What are the types of CMS forms?

    ABN – (Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage) The ABN is a notice given to beneficiaries of Original Medicare to convey that Medicare is not likely to provide coverage in a specific case. “Notifiers” include physicians, providers (including institutional providers like outpatient hospitals), practitioners, and suppliers paid under Part B (including independent laboratories), as well as hospice providers and religious non-medical health care institutions (RNHCIs) paid exclusively under Part A.

     

    CMS 1500 – The CMS-1500 form (Health Insurance Claim Form) is sometimes referred to as the AMA (American Medical Association) form. CMS-1500 is the prescribed form for claims prepared and submitted by physicians or suppliers (except for ambulance suppliers), whether or not the claims are assigned.

     

    Medicare Enrollment Application: Reassignment of Medicare Benefits – An individual who renders services and seeks to reassign his/her benefits to an eligible entity must complete the CMS-855R form for each entity eligible to receive reassigned benefits. The person must be enrolled in the Medicare program as an individual before reassigning his/her benefits. The CMS-855R form may be submitted concurrently with the CMS-855 form.

     

    Medicare Enrollment Application: Physicians and Non-Physician Practitioners – A Physician or Non-Physician Practitioner must complete The CMS-855I form if they render medical services to Medicare beneficiaries. This form is processed through the Medicare carrier.
    Medicare Enrollment Application: Clinics/Group Practices and Certain Other Suppliers – This application (CMS-855B) is to be completed by a supplier (e.g. ambulance company, physician group, Part B drug vendor) that will bill Medicare carriers for medical services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries. It is not to be used to enroll individuals.

     

    Financial Statement of Debtor – Sole proprietors must use the CMS Financial Statement of Debtor form (CMS-379) to request an extended repayment plan (ERP) for an overpayment debt.
    Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization Agreement – New enrollees are required to complete the most current Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) authorization agreement (CMS-588). The account must exclusively bear the name of the physician or individual practitioner, or the legal business name of the person or entity enrolled with Medicare. It cannot be a personal account shared with a significant other or any other party.

     

    The Medicare Participating Physician or Supplier Agreement – The CMS-460 form is a formal recognition that you will accept assignment of benefits for all Medicare beneficiaries (patients). It must be submitted either within 90 days of initial enrollment with Medicare OR during the annual Open Enrollment period (typically mid-November through December 31st). Accepting an assignment means you agree to be paid the Medicare allowed amount for services provided to such beneficiaries.

     

    Patient's Request for Medical Payment – The Patient’s Request for Medical Payment form (CMS-1490S) is the primary claim form that is filed on the beneficiaries’ behalf (replaces HCFA-1490). This form is used by the beneficiary in order to file a claim with Medicare for services and/or supplies received.

13. Rating: +2

    
    
    
    
    
    

    What are Transmittals?

    Program transmittals are used to communicate new or revised policies and/or procedures that are being incorporated into a specific Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) program manual. The transmittals column in the CMS carrier centre summarizes the revisions to the material, specifically what has been changed.

14. Rating: +1

    
    
    
    
    
    

    How do I use Transmittals?

    Go to the “CMS info centre” section. You can see the latest updates starting from the most recent to the oldest for any revisions that are already in effect or going to take effect soon. You can also use the search box at the top of the page to help you narrow your search down. The search function allows you to search by “Any keyword” or “Actual Keyword” depending on your needs.

15. Rating: +3

    
    
    
    
    
    

    What are the Evaluation & Management Guidelines?

    Carriers and A/B Medicare Administration Contractors (MACs) continue reviews using both the 1995 and 1997 Documentation Guidelines for E&M Services (whichever is more advantageous to the physician). The E & M guidelines (1995 or 1997) that are used to review these services are chosen based on the guidelines that best fit the documentation submitted.

16. Rating: +6

    
    
    
    
    
    

    How do I use Evaluation & Management Guidelines?

    To identify the differences between the two sets of guidelines, go to the “CMS info centre” and view the 1995 and 1997 E&M guidelines. You can also use the search box to help you narrow down your search. The search function allows you to search by “Any keyword” or “Actual Keyword” depending on your needs.

17. Rating: +1

    
    
    
    
    
    

    What is the Claim Processing Manual?

    This manual contains billing requirements, rules, and regulations as they pertain to Medicare in all settings. This manual provides information for such tasks as completing the CMS-1500 claim form used by physical and occupational therapists in private practice. In addition, it provides instructions for the completion of the UB-92 (CMS-1450) claim form used by providers of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services in all other settings excluding private practice. It also describes the use of Part B Outpatient Rehabilitation and CORF/OPT Services and other services of the same type.

18. Rating: +2

    
    
    
    
    
    

    How do I use the Claim Processing Manual?

    Go to the “CMS info centre” and look for “Claim processing manuals” to pick-up the correct coding or billing related documents. You can also use the search box to help you narrow down your search. The search function allows you to search by “Any keyword” or “Actual Keyword” depending on your needs.

19. Rating: +2

    
    
    
    
    
    

    What is CCI Policy?

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed the National Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) to promote national correct coding methodologies and to control improper coding that leads to inappropriate payment in Part B. The CMS developed its coding policies based on coding conventions defined in the American Medical Association's CPT manual, national and local policies and edits, coding guidelines developed by national societies, analysis of standard medical and surgical practices, and a review of current coding practices.

20. Rating: +2

    
    
    
    
    
    

    How do I use CCI Policy Manual?

    Go to the “CMS info centre” and select “CCI Policy Manual”. You will find the latest updates for the current year. This policy generally is updated every year usually during October.

21. Rating: +7

    
    
    
    
    
    

    How often is the website updated in terms of coding and billing updates?

    The codesets like CPT, HCPCS as well as the tools like CCI Edit, Fee Schedule are updated on a Quarterly basis. The ICD-9 codes are updated on an Annual basis. The Specialty Articles and Alerts are updated on a weekly basis.

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