Internet Resources

Abstract

Most physicians can now access new resource areas 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. Following are some Web sites that are good resources of coding and related information, in addition to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).http://www.aap.orgRemember that there are excellent coding resources at the Academy. The Division of Health Care Finance and Practice maintains a FaxBack Coding Hotline. Academy 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 on page 308 of the AAP manual Coding for Pediatrics 2001. To order Coding for Pediatrics, you may call 888/227-1770. In addition to the manual, you also are given the opportunity to subscribe 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. Another great coding resource is the 2001 Pediatric ICD-9-CM Coding Flip Chart. This unique companion to 2001 ICD-9-CM makes accurate coding fast and easy.http://www.medem.comThe Academy, along with six 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 guidelines and preview the entire June 2000 draft set. In addition, under the Policies 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 AMA is a newsletter called CPT Assistant. To order, call 800/621-8335.http://www.hcfa.govA good way to stay abreast of issues involving compliance, fraud and abuse, new payment policies and rules, and updates to the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale.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 is the dynamic professional association that represents more than 40,000 specially educated health information management professionals who work throughout the health care industry. The American Health Information Management Association is developing Coding Assessment and Training Solutions — a Web-based coding educational program for health care organizations.The Society for Clinical Coding is affiliated with AHIMA and can be reached at http://www.SCCoding.org. It was developed to assist coders and other professionals with their work. It 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/nchs/The 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 AHA.http://www.aapcnatl.orgThe AAPC is a nonprofit association for health care professionals. At this Web site, you can find information about certification programs, educational curricula, and membership services offered by the AAPC.To order, call 888/227-1770.To order, call 800/621-8335.