Background Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a new technology for use in treating certain patients with aortic stenosis. As an alternative to open heart surgery, a bioprosthetic valve is inserted percutaneously using a catheter and implanted in the orifice of the native aortic valve. Potential benefits of this procedure are that it’s less […]
Avoid the 2013 e-Prescribing Penalty
June 7, 2012 by
The June 30th deadline is looming. If you don’t e-prescribe on 10 eligible encounters by this date, you will be subject to a 1.5% reduction on your 2013 Medicare Fee Schedule. First step, determine if you are an eligible professional (EP) by clicking here. Will the penalty apply to my EP? The 2013 penalty will […]
Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity
March 20, 2012 by
Did you know that Medicare now has coverage provisions for behavioral therapy for obesity? Effective with dates of service November 29, 2011 and forward, Medicare beneficiaries with obesity are eligible for a series of face-to-face visits with a primary care physician. For these services, the Medicare Part B deductible and coinsurance are waived. MedLearn Matters […]
Changes in Health Professional Shortage Areas
January 6, 2012 by
Significant changes have been made in the areas categorized as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA’s). The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) published an updated Federal Register Notice on November 3, 2011, that contains important information about new and withdrawn HPSA designations. These changes will take effect for services provided on or after January 1, […]
CPT Code Changes for 2012
December 29, 2011 by
There are several key changes in CPT codes that will affect cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, as well as cardiologists. Here’s a summary of those key changes. Lungs and Pleura Changes have been made to this series of CPT codes in order to reflect current medical practice. The terminology “Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)” has been […]
Atherectomy for Supra-Inguinal Arteries
September 27, 2011 by
The CPT coding changes in 2011 presented many challenges, especially for those physicians performing endovascular procedures. Cardiologists saw a complete overhaul of the right and left heart catheterization codes. Those cardiologists and surgeons who perform peripheral interventions saw a new series of CPT codes referred to as Endovascular Revascularization. This new series eliminated the component […]
