Practice management: Update on coding, ancillary services, and the new stark laws

Abstract

As an introduction, first let us legitimize the inclusion of information on coding and reimbursement in our association’s periodic publication. Arthroscopy is first and foremost an educational tool for the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) and its members. Coding has become one the most challenging parts of our daily practice. Keeping pace with the many changes in surgical and evaluation and management coding requires both interest and diligence. Coding has become an area of intense interest and is mandatory for inclusion into our educational programs. Second, coding has become synonymous with reimbursement. Our ability to effectively and efficiently care for patients is dependent on our success as business people. The safe and satisfactory execution of patient care requires many medical and nonmedical personnel. Recruitment and maintenance of these health care professionals is costly. And last, incorrect coding places us in personal and professional jeopardy. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) formerly the Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA) has made the investigation and prosecution of Medicare fraud an obvious priority. This reality propels coding into a new and heightened level of importance.