Internet Resources

Abstract

Most physicians can now access new resources by using Internet service providers. There will be a vast amount of coding information in the months to come, much with free access or as a service to members. Below are some Web sites that are good resources for coding and related information, in addition to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).http://www.aap.orgThere are excellent coding resources at the AAP. The Division of Health Care Finance and Practice maintains a FaxBack Coding Hotline. AAP members can call 800/433-9016, ext 4022, and leave their name and fax number, and a sheet will be faxed where they can fill out their questions. The answers will come by FaxBack service within 1 week. A copy of the fax is available in the AAP manual Coding for Pediatrics 2002. To order Coding for Pediatrics, call 888/227-1770. With the purchase of this manual, you will receive a subscription to the AAP coding newsletter, Pediatric Coding Companion. This is a quarterly newsletter that will keep you informed of any changes that happen throughout the year. The newsletter is also available separately as a subscription product.http://www.medem.comThe AAP, along with 6 other physician associations and medical specialty societies, went in on this new Web site to provide reliable medical information.http://www.ama-assn.orgEven nonmembers can access breaking news on the status of the newest Evaluation and Management (E/M) documentation guidelines and preview the entire set (draft June 2000). In addition, under the Policy and Advocacy section, there is a wealth of information about compliance issues. To catch the latest on Current Procedural Terminology, Fifth Edition (CPT-5), go to http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/3883.html.An excellent coding resource produced by the American Medical Association is a newsletter called CPT Assistant. To order, call 800/621-8335.http://www.cms.govA good way to stay abreast of issues involving compliance and fraud and abuse, new payment policies and rules, and updates to the resource-based relative value scale.http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.Obtain copies of the Federal Register here.To obtain the fee schedules from the Federal Register, follow these steps.http://www.brightfutures.orgBright Futures is a national child health promotion and disease prevention initiative. Launched in 1990, the initiative is dedicated to developing educational materials for health and education professionals and families. Some of its material includes the following:http://www.ahima.orgThe American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is the dynamic professional association that represents more than 40,000 specially educated health information management professionals who work throughout the health care industry. This association is developing Coding Assessment and Training Solutions, a Web-based coding educational program for health care organizations.http://www.SCCoding.orgThe Society for Clinical Coding, affiliated with AHIMA, was developed to assist coders and other professionals with their work. The society provides news about current coding issues and concerns and a mechanism for networking with other professionals. Check out its Web site for the latest on CPT/ICD-9-CM coding issues.http://www.cdc.gov/nchshttp://www.cdc.gov/nchs/icd9.htmThe National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is the federal government’s principal vital and health statistics agency. Since 1960, the agency has provided a wide variety of data with which to monitor the nation’s health. Since then, the NCHS has received several legislative mandates and authorities. The NCHS is a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services.http://www.aha.orgThe ICD-9-CM is published by the Department of Health and Human Services and maintained by the ICD-9-CM Central Office at the American Hospital Association.http://www.aapcnatl.orgThe American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a nonprofit association for health care professionals. At this Web site there is information about certification programs, educational curricula, and membership services offered by the AAPC.http://www.cdc.govhttp://www.nih.govThe American Academy of Pediatrics has the following coding publications available for purchase:Coding for Pediatrics, Pediatric Coding Companion newsletter, ICD-9-CM Coding Flip Chart, CPT manual, ICD-9-CM manual.To order, call 888/227-1770.The American Medical Association has the following coding publications available for purchase:CPT Assistant monthly newsletter, CPT manual, ICD-9-CM manual, HCPCS, CPT Companion, plus many more.To order, call 800/621-8335.