Program Information
Professional Economics
B Dirksen1*, G White2*, (1) Mercy Medical Center, Coralville, IA, (2) Colorado Associates in Medical Phys, Colorado Springs, CO
Presentations
TU-B-BRD-0 (Tuesday, March 10, 2015) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Room: Ballroom D
To introduce attendees to the healthcare reimbursement system and how it applies to the clinical work of a Medical Physicist. This will include general information about the different categories of payers and payees, how work is described by CPT codes, and how various payers set values for this work in different clinical settings. We will discuss practical issues related to coding and describing medical physics and other work activities in Radiation Oncology.
2015 is a year of significant changes to the payment system. Many CPT codes have been deleted and replaced with new CPT codes. These codes define some of the most common work performed in our clinics including treatment planning and delivery. This presentation will describe what work is encompassed in these codes and will give attendees an overview of the changes for 2015 as they apply to radiation oncology. Topics include the impact of the upcoming CMS rule publication schedule changes, typical descriptions of work, estimated work times, presence/supervision requirements, documentation models and the role of the Medical Physicist in coding/billing. Broader issues such as the role of coding/billing consultants, hospital cost/charge ratios and charge master construction and future impacts of episode of care payments, bundling, Medical physicist assistants, and fixes for SGR will also be discussed.
Attendees will have a better understanding of the CPT code changes in 2015. Associated issues from supervision and documentation to billing are discussed.
Coding changes are providing challenges to the clinical medical physicist and associated medical facilities. A better understanding of the reimbursement methods will allow the membership to determine how best to adapt with the evolving reimbursement changes.
Learning Objectives:
1. Better understand coding changes for 2015
2. role of billing for consultants and hospital based practices
3. Bundling and its impact on reimbursement
Handouts
- 97-25909-353470-110056-1294739132.pdf (B Dirksen)
- 97-25910-353470-110057.pdf (G White)
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