Documenting an adequate description of an ulcer being treated is essential when dispensing surgical dressings. Providers know the elements that are necessary to thoroughly document a wound. These elements are taught in school. However, this list of elements may not satisfy the requirements of a third-party payer. From a payment perspective, the required elements of […]
From the Blog: Coding
Documenting Primary Versus Secondary Surgical Dressings
According to the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DMEMACs), the definitions of primary and secondary surgical dressings are: Primary Dressing – Therapeutic or protective covering applied directly to wounds or lesions either on the skin or caused by an opening to the skin. Secondary Dressing – Materials that serve a therapeutic or protective function […]
Surgical Dressings for Hospice Patients
A Medicare beneficiary may choose to receive hospice care after a doctor certifies that they are terminally ill, meaning they have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Patients who choose hospice care agree to comfort care (palliative care) instead of care to cure their illness. These patients sign a statement indicating that they […]
ICD-10 Code Changes for the New Year
Accurate diagnosis coding is essential when providing wound care. This can include primary, secondary, and sometimes even tertiary diagnoses. When a comorbid condition contributes to the care of a wound care patient, it may be appropriate to list the ICD-10 code representing that comorbid condition on the claim form. There are major changes this year […]
SPECIAL NOTICE: Calcium Alginate – Now a Primary OR Secondary Dressing
Last week, the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DMEMACs) made a change to their joint Surgical Dressing Local Coverage Article (LCA) that states calcium alginate can serve as either a primary dressing or a secondary dressing. Prior to this change calcium alginate could only serve as a primary dressing. This change is effective now.
Choosing The Right Dressings: When to Select Calcium Alginate
Dispensing surgical dressings in your office improves outcomes, improves patient satisfaction, and can result in tremendous profits. The main surgical dressings that can be dispensed include: Collagen Foam Calcium Alginate Hydrogel Gauze Hydrocolloid Compression Garments With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to select the best option. In last month’s blog, we looked at Foam […]
Choosing the Right Dressings: When to Select Foam
Dispensing surgical dressings in your office improves outcomes, improves patient satisfaction, and can result in tremendous profits. The main surgical dressings that can be dispensed include: Collagen Foam Calcium Alginate Hydrogel Gauze Hydrocolloid Compression Garments With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to select the best option. In the first of this […]
How Often Should I Perform Wound Evaluations?
AMERX Health Care provides extensive and detailed guidance to the AMERX Network of Physicians. This guidance covers compliance when dispensing surgical dressings and includes documentation requirements. Many providers are comfortable with the documentation that is required when initially dispensing surgical dressings. However, it is just as important to be comfortable with the regulations regarding the […]
Your ABN Forms are Expiring!
When providing Durable Medical Equipment (DME) to Medicare Part B beneficiaries, there are certain situations where an Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) may be required. An ABN should be issued to the patient before they receive DME that is usually covered by insurance but is not in this particular case. Issuing the ABN prior to delivery […]
Revive Your Practice in Just 14 Days
Last month, I had the opportunity to work with more than 100 doctors while conducting a 14-day practice reinvention challenge. Every day, the participants were asked to watch a short video and perform a challenge that would help them work on their practice and themselves. For many of the participants, it was just the motivation […]