I learned that CPT code describes what was done to the patient during the consultation, including diagnostic, laboratory, radiology, and surgical procedures while the ICD code identifies a diagnosis and describes a disease or medical condition. CPT code accuracy is very important because it directly affect how much a patient will pay for medical care, offices, hospitals, and other medical facilities.

CPT codes are developed, maintained and copyrighted by the American Medical Association (AMA). These are five-digit numeric code with no decimal marks, although some have four numbers and one letter. Codes are uniquely assigned to different actions/procedures.

As part of intermediate coding class, I had total of 37 quality cases where I have used CPT coding conventions and guidelines successfully. During the case studies, I referred to the specific guidelines presented at the beginning of the CPT code book to identify correct coding protocols. In surgical section, I followed guidelines such as 'Global Surgical package' in which I learnt that these are pre- and post- assessment of the patient provided by surgeon and these are not separately reimbursed.

I followed separate guidelines regarding the separate procedures, modifiers and unbundling. During coding for physician cases for Evaluation & Management, I followed different guidelines such as place of services, established or new patient, time spent with new patient, inpatient consultations, other emergency services including counseling and medical decision making etc. I applied NCCI & OCE edits to avoid improper coding.

I referred different resources from CPT assistant, Coding clinic to get better understanding of procedure and relative codes.

HCPCS codes are used and maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and are used to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and many other third-party payers.

HCPCS codes are important to document medical equipment, supplies, and ambulance services rendered to patient and it comes with modifiers to code specific details.

Artifacts:

Coding abstract - including AMB, Physician case studies.