Common coding mistakes and how AI is resolving them

 

While accurate medical coding is essential, the administrative burden it creates significantly contributes to physician burnout, which has only intensified since the pandemic. Studies reveal it's a major stressor for doctors and staff. But what many don't realize is that incorrect coding can have severe financial repercussions for practices.

Denied claims, lower reimbursements, and audits all lead to revenue loss. The pressure to see more patients and inflate billing to compensate creates a vicious cycle, worsening burnout.

Here's how to avoid these costly mistakes:

• E/M Coding Errors: Rushing through appointments or misinterpreting guidelines can lead to overcoding (billing for more than done) or undercoding (missing reimbursable services).
• Missing E/M Codes: Incomplete patient charts, often due to time constraints, can result in missed billing opportunities. Ensure all services are documented thoroughly.
• Patient Status Confusion: Incorrectly classifying a patient as "new" or "established" can mean lower payments. Standardize intake procedures to avoid errors.
• Overlooked Administrative Codes: Minor procedures like injections or applying splints have specific billing codes. Missing these means lost revenue.
• Incomplete Billing for Procedures: Some procedures require multiple codes, like one for the injection and another for the medication. Ensure all aspects of a service are captured for accurate billing.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, healthcare providers can streamline coding practices, maximize revenue, and ultimately reduce burnout.

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