CROWN

Who Should Register & How?

Anyone responsible for coding medical services in the specialty areas of radiology, radiation oncology, medical oncology and/or cardiology, can not miss this unique seminar series. May of our attendees include but are not limited to: Billing Companies, Administrators, Coding Professionals, Coding Managers, Compliance Officers, HIM Directors, Medical Records Directors, Specialty Directors, Physicians, Payors, etc.

Register Online Today!

Download a Registration Form
To register multiple attendees or to take advantage of discount rates, please complete a downloadable Registration Worksheet and fax to 770-445-0407.

Note: In order to receive a Multi-Session Discount, Multi-Attendees must register at the same time and a consolidated payment for all attendees must be received by Coding Strategies, Inc. no later than 15 business days prior to the event.

Multi-Session Discounts

All cancellations must be received in writing at least 30 business days prior to the seminar in order to receive a full refund. Cancellations made after 30 days are subject to a $225.00 charge per cancelled session. Registrants who do not cancel and do not attend are liable for the full registration fee. Enrollment can be transferred to another person up to 15 business days prior to the session. If you have any questions please call CSI at 1-877-6-CODING. CSI will not issue refunds due to inclement weather. Please make your travel plans accordingly, no exceptions.

3-5 Sessions	$20 Off Each Session
6-10 Sessions	$25 Off Each Session
11 + Sessions	$30 Off Each Session

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Traditionally our CROWN seminar series have been awarded on average 1 CEU per instructional hour. The amount of awarded CEUs is based on our session schedule and follow the certifying organization's policy guidelines. Please contact CSI for additional details at 1.877.6.CODING or at 1.877.626.3464, to learn more about which CEUs are awarded or in review for the session or sessions of your choice!

Cancellation Policy

Can't Come to CROWN?

1.) Bring CROWN to You!
CSI will come on-site to provide you with the same extensive educational sessions that are given during CSI's CROWN Seminar Series. Contact CSI for more information!

2.) Get the next best thing!
Order the Reference Tools used during CROWN! Click Here for more details or why not try our online partner, Coding Metrix' online coding courses? Coding Metrix courses are all online and use real-world case studies, sample documentation, state-of-the-art graphics, exercises and assessments to provide the basics to those new to specialty coding, while providing up-to-date information and challenging the most experienced coding professional. To learn more visit http://www.codingmetrix.com. To schedule a quick demo, please contact us at 1.877.8.METRIX or 1.877.863.8749.

TRACK: Interventional Radiology/Procedures

Intro to Interventional Radiology/Procedures 2010

Session Description

Hotel Information

Downloadable Registration Form

December 7, 2009
- Nashville, TN

January 11, 2010
- Las Vegas, NV

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.....Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.....Sessions

Early Registration
$545.00*
*Early Registration deadline
is Oct. 30, 2009

Regular Registration
$595

Multi-Session Discounts are available!

The above rates are per person, per session. Some restrictions apply.

Interventional Radiology/Procedures 2010

Session Description

Hotel Information

Downloadable Registration Form

December 9, 2009
- Nashville, TN

January 13, 2010
- Las Vegas, NV

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.....Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.....Sessions

Early Registration
$545.00*
*Early Registration deadline
is Oct. 30, 2009

Regular Registration
$595

Multi-Session Discounts are available!

The above rates are per person, per session. Some restrictions apply.

Auditing for Interventional Radiology/Procedures
2010

Session Description

Hotel Information

Downloadable Registration Form

December 10, 2009
- Nashville, TN

January 14, 2010
- Las Vegas, NV

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.....Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.....Sessions

Early Registration
$545.00*
*Early Registration deadline
is Oct. 30, 2009

Regular Registration
$595

Multi-Session Discounts are available!

The above rates are per person, per session. Some restrictions apply.

TRACK: Diagnostic Radiology

Diagnostic Radiology 2010

Session Description

Hotel Information

Downloadable Registration Form

December 8, 2009
- Nashville, TN

January 12, 2010
- Las Vegas, NV

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.....Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.....Sessions

Early Registration
$545.00*
*Early Registration deadline
is Oct. 30, 2009

Regular Registration
$595

Multi-Session Discounts are available!

The above rates are per person, per session. Some restrictions apply.

TRACK: Radiation Oncology

Radiation Oncology 2010

Session Description

Hotel Information

Downloadable Registration Form

December 9, 2009
- Nashville, TN

January 13, 2010
- Las Vegas, NV

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.....Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.....Sessions

Early Registration
$545.00*
*Early Registration deadline
is Oct. 30, 2009

Regular Registration
$595

Multi-Session Discounts are available!

The above rates are per person, per session. Some restrictions apply.

Advanced Auditing For Radiation Oncology
2010

Session Description

Hotel Information

Downloadable Registration Form

December 10, 2009
- Nashville, TN

January 14, 2010
- Las Vegas, NV

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.....Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.....Sessions

Early Registration
$545.00*
*Early Registration deadline
is Oct. 30, 2009

Regular Registration
$595

Multi-Session Discounts are available!

The above rates are per person, per session. Some restrictions apply.

TRACK: Medical Oncology

Medical Oncology
Physician/Freestanding
2010

Session Description

Hotel Information

Downloadable Registration Form

December 7, 2009
- Nashville, TN

January 11, 2009
- Las Vegas, NV

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.....Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.....Sessions

Early Registration
$545.00*
*Early Registration deadline
is Oct. 30, 2009

Regular Registration
$595

Multi-Session Discounts are available!

The above rates are per person, per session. Some restrictions apply.

Medical Oncology
Hospital (Facility)
2010

Session Description

Hotel Information

Downloadable Registration Form

December 8, 2009
- Nashville, TN

January 12, 2009
- Las Vegas, NV

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.....Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.....Sessions

Early Registration
$545.00*
*Early Registration deadline
is Oct. 30, 2009

Regular Registration
$595

Multi-Session Discounts are available!

The above rates are per person, per session. Some restrictions apply.

TRACK: Cardiology

Introduction to
Heart Rhythm Procedures
2010

Session Description

Hotel Information

Downloadable Registration Form

December 7, 2009
- Nashville, TN

January 11, 2010
- Las Vegas, NV

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.....Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.....Sessions

Early Registration
$545.00*
*Early Registration deadline
is Oct. 30, 2009

Regular Registration
$595

Multi-Session Discounts are available!

The above rates are per person, per session. Some restrictions apply.

Introduction to Invasive Cardiology
2010

Session Description

Hotel Information

Downloadable Registration Form

December 8, 2009
- Nashville, TN

January 12, 2010
- Las Vegas, NV

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.....Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.....Sessions

Early Registration
$545.00*
*Early Registration deadline
is Oct. 30, 2009

Regular Registration
$595

Multi-Session Discounts are available!

The above rates are per person, per session. Some restrictions apply.

Advanced
Cardiology
2010

Session Description

Hotel Information

Downloadable Registration Form

December 9, 2009
- Nashville, TN

January 13, 2010
- Las Vegas, NV

7:00 a.m. — 8:00 a.m.....Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.....Sessions

Early Registration
$545.00*
*Early Registration deadline
is Oct. 30, 2009

Regular Registration
$595

Multi-Session Discounts are available!

The above rates are per person, per session. Some restrictions apply.

Session Descriptions

2010 Diagnostic Radiology Session
Instructional hours: 7

The goal of this session is to prepare attendees for accurate reporting of diagnostic radiology services in 2010.

Objectives Include:

1. Identify the 2010 Medicare payment policy changes related to diagnostic radiology. Both physician and hospital reimbursement will be discussed.

2. Identify the diagnostic radiology-related aspects of the 2010 Work Plan of the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

3. Review and discuss the coding, documentation and reimbursement challenges for key areas of diagnostic radiology including, but not limited to: plain films, breast procedures, ultrasound, CT/CTA, MR/MRA, PET, nuclear medicine and supplies.

4. Review physician documentation examples for key procedures.

This session will address the coding and reimbursement challenges related to diagnostic radiology services in 2010, including PET, MRI, CT, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, breast procedures (mammography and percutaneous procedures), and plain films. New and revised diagnostic radiology procedure codes will be discussed and examples given. Additionally this year’s session will include information on PQRI, the 2010 OIG Workplan and the Final Rules for both the Outpatient Prospective Payment System and the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Special attention will be given to services that are frequently billed incorrectly or denied by third party payors. Participants will also have the opportunity to submit coding questions anonymously at the beginning of the session and receive answers the same day!

Attendees will receive the Navigator for Diagnostic Radiology that includes detailed descriptions of diagnostic procedures, definitions of key reimbursement concepts and authoritative and advisory coding guidelines for all procedures listed above. This manual is designed to reinforce key learning points and serve as a valuable reference after the conference.

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2010 Introduction to Interventional Radiology/Procedures Session
Instructional hours: 7

This session will introduce participants to the basics of interventional procedure coding, including step-by-step instructions on how to properly assign procedure codes for diagnostic arteriograms. Participants will practice using commonly encountered scenarios as well as hands-on exercises with actual dictated cases. The session will begin with a review of component coding guidelines for interventional procedures. Bundling guidelines for these procedures will be discussed in detail, as well as the proper assignment of modifiers LT, RT, and 59.

Next, the most commonly performed types of transcatheter therapies (PTA and stent placement) will be examined in detail. Each vascular family will be reviewed with helpful color job aids to ensure accurate identification. The related procedure codes for catheterization and diagnostic imaging will be discussed and common scenarios and actual case studies will be reviewed to promote confidence in the assignment of codes and modifiers for these procedures. Procedures to be discussed include diagnostic imaging of the head, neck, upper extremities, thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta (including main arteries branching off the aorta), pelvis and lower extremities.

Attendees will receive the Introduction to Interventional Procedures Navigator that includes basic arterial anatomy, descriptions of common diagnostic interventional procedures, definitions of key reimbursement concepts such as professional and technical component, and procedure coding guidelines for all procedures listed above. This manual is designed to reinforce key learning points and serve as a valuable reference after the conference.

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2010 Interventional Radiology/Procedures Session
Instructional hours: 7

This session will familiarize the participant with interventional procedure coding and reimbursement changes for 2010. New and revised procedure codes will be examined in detail, and payment implications for both physicians and hospitals will be identified.

Medicare payment policy changes relevant to interventional procedures (e.g., coverage changes, changes in payment methodology, etc.) will be reviewed. Changes related to both the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System will be examined. Additionally, the 2010 OIG Work Plan will be reviewed as it relates to interventional procedures, with recommendations as to how participants can minimize their compliance risks for 2010.

Attendees should have a working knowledge of interventional coding, as this session is not designed to teach but rather to update and discuss current challenges and concerns related to interventional coding. Specifically, the session will address coding and documentation challenges related to transcatheter therapies including but not limited to angioplasty, stents, embolization and infusion therapies. Special attention will be given to services that are frequently billed incorrectly or denied by third party payors. Key strategies to ensure that the technical and professional components are appropriately matched will be discussed in detail.

Attendees will receive the Navigator for Interventional Procedures that includes vascular anatomy charts, descriptions of diagnostic and therapeutic interventional procedures, definitions of key reimbursement concepts such as professional and technical component, and procedure coding guidelines for all procedures listed above. This manual is designed to reinforce key learning points and serve as a valuable reference after the conference. Attendees will also receive graphic job aids designed to expedite the coding process.

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2010 Auditing Interventional Radiology/Procedures
Instructional hours: 7

This session is designed to prepare individuals with interventional coding experience to perform effective coding audits for interventional services. The audit process differs from the coding process, and this session will help participants understand the differences and audit effectively.

Audit design will be discussed, including how to determine what to audit and how to identify the personnel who should serve as auditors. Sample selection procedures will be reviewed, including informal (non-statistically significant) techniques that are suitable for most routine audits.

The auditing process will be reviewed in great detail. Participants will learn what portions of the medical record should be reviewed and the order in which they should be reviewed. For each category of interventional service, participants will learn the specific procedures that are most often incorrectly coded or charged, as well as the types of documentation needed to support these procedures. Hands-on exercises involving actual procedure notes and billing documents will be used to reinforce key learning points.

Evaluation and presentation of audit findings will be discussed. Participants will learn several methods for calculating coding error rates and evaluating the financial impact of the errors. Communication of findings will be discussed, including how to identify the key players within the organization who need to receive the findings. Finally, participants will learn how to prioritize the findings in an action plan.

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*Note: This is the 2009 Abstract for this session. The 2010 Abstract will be posted at a later date. All abstracts are subject to change.
2009 Medical Oncology Physician/Freestanding Session
Instructional hours: 7

The Goal of this session is to assist medical oncologists, oncology/hematologists, related specialties, professional medical coders and free-standing infusion center staff with complete patient record documentation and accurate code assignment.

Objectives Include:

1. Review documentation requirements and medical necessity criteria for infusion and injections services

2. Discuss Medicare contractor and third-party payor oncology audit targets

3. Provide correct code assignment guidelines and relevant payor bundling issues

The official guidelines for diagnosis coding include criteria for the assignment of history of neoplasm, palliative treatment and other diagnoses. Ensuring that medical necessity criteria are met depends on accurate code assignment. This session will provide an overview of correct diagnosis code application as well as review specific medical necessity risk areas.

Medical oncology is a unique specialty with a complicated set of codes and coding guidelines. Bone marrow procedures, vascular access codes, chemotherapy administration, pump initiation, therapeutic drug administration and more will be discussed in this fast-paced session. This seminar supplies the participant with a valuable Navigator that will be useful upon return to the practice to ensure correct code assignment, regulatory compliance and assist with internal chart reviews.

Medicare and other payors are expanding the audits of oncology claims, with increasing requests for refunds. There are also continuous changes in technology and equipment affecting oncology practices, creating an ongoing need to educate insurance payors. This session will offer valuable information to improve documentation and capture revenue that may otherwise be missed!

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*Note: This is the 2009 Abstract for this session. The 2010 Abstract will be posted at a later date. All abstracts are subject to change.
2009 Medical Oncology Hospital (Facility) Session
Instructional hours: 7

The Goal of this session is to assist hospital medical oncology/infusion center staff with complete record documentation and accurate code assignment.

Objectives Include:

1. Review documentation requirements and medical necessity criteria for infusion and injection services

2. Discuss Medicare contractor and third-party payor oncology audit targets

3. Provide correct code assignment guidelines and relevant payor bundling issues

The official guidelines for diagnosis coding include criteria for the assignment of history of neoplasm, palliative treatment and other diagnoses. Ensuring that medical necessity criteria are met depends on accurate code assignment. This session will provide an overview of correct diagnosis code application as well as review specific medical necessity risk areas.

This CROWN seminar will also address both written and dictated notes, forms for recording specialized procedures and data, and changes in bundling requirements affecting reimbursement for hospital-based infusion centers. If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen – every facility needs this inside track for comprehensive documentation.

Medical oncology is a unique specialty with a complicated set of codes and coding guidelines, and facility coding for Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) reimbursement requires comprehensive knowledge of the infusion code hierarchy. Bone marrow procedures, vascular access codes, blood transfusions, chemotherapy administration, pump initiation, therapeutic drug administration and more will be discussed in this fast-paced session. This seminar supplies the participant with a valuable Navigator that will be useful upon return to the facility to ensure correct code assignment, regulatory compliance and assist with internal chart reviews.

Medicare and other payors are expanding the audits of oncology claims, with increasing requests for refunds. There are also continuous changes in technology and equipment affecting infusion centers, creating an ongoing need to educate insurance payors. This session will offer valuable information to improve documentation and capture revenue that may otherwise be missed!

Return to pricing information

*Note: This is the 2009 Abstract for this session. The 2010 Abstract will be posted at a later date. All abstracts are subject to change.
2009 Introduction to Radiation Oncology Session
Instructional hours: 7

The Goal of this session is to provide a beginner’s introduction to radiation oncology coding.

Objectives Include:

1. Examine basic services provided during a course of radiation therapy

2. Review procedure code definitions for these essential services

3. Provide guidance relating to modifiers, bundling and correct code assignment

Radiation oncology is a specialty that has a separate language, and the services provided during a course of radiation therapy have unique codes with potentially complex definitions. The purpose of this coding seminar is to provide an introduction to the abbreviations and distinctive language of radiation oncology, and review the translation of these terms into procedure codes.

Existing code definitions, the intent of the code as developed for use in billing and authoritative coding guidance will be discussed, as well as a review of essential terminology necessary to understand radiation treatment. This session is intended to help beginners that want to know what a “linac” does, the difference between a BEV and a DRR, or what it means to simulate and plan a course of therapy.

Last, it is not enough to understand the procedure codes alone, so data on bundling guidelines and the application of modifiers will be included. Staged procedures, repeat procedures and distinct procedures present coding challenges in the technologically advanced specialty of radiation oncology. This seminar is not for those individuals with clinical experience, but instead is designed for coders, auditors and others who want an introduction to a fascinating and complicated specialty.

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*Note: This is the 2009 Abstract for this session. The 2010 Abstract will be posted at a later date. All abstracts are subject to change.
2009 Radiation Oncology Session
Instructional hours: 7

The Goal of this session is to assist radiation oncologists, hospitals and free-standing cancer center staff with complete record documentation and accurate code assignment for radiation oncology services. This session is not designed for the ‘beginner;’ a basic understanding of radiation terminology and procedures are necessary.

Objectives Include:

1. Review documentation requirements and medical necessity criteria for radiation oncology services

2. Discuss Medicare contractor and third-party payor radiation audit targets

3. Provide correct code assignment guidelines and relevant payor unbundling issues
Ensuring that medical necessity criteria are met depends on accurate code assignment. This session will provide an overview of correct diagnosis code application as well as review specific medical necessity risk areas, with particular attention to innovative techniques and high-end technology.

This CROWN seminar will also address both written and dictated notes, forms for recording specialized procedures and data, and changes in bundling requirements affecting reimbursement for radiation oncology procedures. If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen – every practice needs this inside track for comprehensive documentation.
Radiation oncology is a unique specialty with a complicated set of codes and coding guidelines. Distinguishing between simple, intermediate or complex services is not always well defined in payor guidelines. In addition, advances in technology have created new equipment and procedures, resulting in new codes and coding guidelines. This seminar also supplies the participant with a valuable Navigator that will be useful upon return to the practice to ensure correct code assignment and assist with internal documentation reviews.

Medicare and other payors are expanding the audits of radiation oncology claims, with increasing requests for refunds. There are also continuous changes in technology and equipment affecting radiation oncology practices, creating an ongoing need to educate insurance payors. Whether the services are billed by a hospital, physician practice or freestanding radiation treatment center, this session will offer valuable information to improve documentation and capture revenue that may otherwise be missed!

Return to pricing information

*Note: This is the 2009 Abstract for this session. The 2010 Abstract will be posted at a later date. All abstracts are subject to change.
2009 Advanced Auditing for Radiation Oncology Session
Instructional hours: 7

The goal of this session is to equip radiation oncology coders, technical staff, physicians and others with the necessary tools to audit the specialty of radiation oncology.

Objectives Include:

1. Review procedures to establish and monitor an internal auditing process.

2. Evaluate medical records and perform “hands-on” auditing of radiation oncology services.

3. Discuss policies, education and training as they relate to the analysis of audit results.

This is an advanced seminar specifically designed for those professionals who are responsible for radiation oncology coding and auditing. This session will take basic and intermediate coding & reimbursement to the next level and explain the auditing processes; an understanding of radiation oncology coding is a prerequisite, this is not a course for ‘beginners’ or individuals who have not mastered radiation oncology terminology and code assignment.

“If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen” is the battle-cry of the insurance industry, and the best way to be prepared for an audit is to have an internal review program. To “audit” means to go through the process of examining and verifying records and supporting documents. This interactive session will begin with an overview of the auditing process, the use of authoritative guidance and related audit topics.

Participants will then take a close look at key auditing issues, documentation updates, and benefit from a discussion from the payor perspective. Participants will also have an opportunity to ‘audit’ radiation services such as clinical treatment planning, simulation, special dosimetry, special teletherapy port plan, special treatment procedure, special physics consultation and more!

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*Note: This is the 2009 Abstract for this session. The 2010 Abstract will be posted at a later date. All abstracts are subject to change.
2009 Introduction to Heart Rhythm Procedures Session
Instructional hours: 7

The goal of this session is to introduce participants to key concepts and basic principles of procedure code assignment for heart rhythm procedures.

Objectives:

1. Understand and apply basic definitions and key concepts related to cardiac pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and electrophysiology procedures, including basics of cardiac anatomy, rhythm disorders, device types, and procedure techniques.

2. Identify key physician and hospital reimbursement concepts related to heart rhythm procedures, including bundling edits, global days, device edits, and billing for devices provided by the manufacturer at reduced cost.

3. Assign procedure codes and HCPCS procedure codes for basic heart rhythm procedures, including:
• Pacemaker and ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) insertion, removal, component replacement, and upgrade, including single chamber, dual chamber, and biventricular devices.
• Diagnostic electrophysiology procedures, including comprehensive and limited studies, mapping, intravenous drug studies, and intracardiac echocardiography.
• Therapeutic electrophysiology ablation procedures
• Holter monitor and cardiac event monitor services.

4. Perform hands-on exercises to build skill and confidence.

Session Description:

This session is designed to introduce the participant to procedure codes and HCPCS code assignment for heart rhythm procedures, including cardiac pacemaker procedures, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) procedures, and diagnostic and therapeutic electrophysiology procedures.

The session will begin with a review of basic cardiac anatomy and types of heart rhythm disorders. Each of the above-listed procedures will then be reviewed in detail, including technique, device(s) used, procedure codes and coding guidelines, and key reimbursement principles. To reinforce leaning, participants will have the opportunity to assign procedure codes for common procedure combinations. They will also complete case studies that utilize actual dictated procedure notes.

Attendees will receive a participant guide that includes basic cardiovascular anatomy, descriptions of common heart rhythm procedures, definitions of key reimbursement concepts, and procedure coding guidelines for all procedures listed above. This manual is designed to reinforce key learning points and serve as a valuable reference after the conference. Attendees will also receive a laminated job aid designed to expedite the coding process.

Return to pricing information

*Note: This is the 2009 Abstract for this session. The 2010 Abstract will be posted at a later date. All abstracts are subject to change.
2009 Introduction to Invasive Cardiology Session
Instructional hours: 7

The goal of this session is to introduce participants to key concepts and basic principles of procedure code assignment for catheter-based cardiac and peripheral vascular procedures.

Objectives:

1. Understand and apply basic definitions and key concepts related to catheter-based cardiac and peripheral vascular procedures, including basics of cardiac and peripheral vascular anatomy, selective and nonselective catheter placement, vascular families, vessel order, and procedure techniques.

2. Identify key physician and hospital reimbursement concepts related to invasive cardiology procedures, including bundling edits, global days, device edits, and use of modifiers.

3. Assign procedure codes and HCPCS procedure codes for catheter-based cardiac and peripheral vascular procedures, including:
• Diagnostic cardiac catheterization
• Percutaneous coronary interventions (coronary angioplasty, atherectomy, stent placement, thrombectomy, and thrombolysis)
• Diagnostic peripheral angiography
• Peripheral transcatheter procedures (angioplasty, atherectomy, stent placement, and thrombectomy)
• Combined cardiac and peripheral procedures (for example, cardiac catheterization with renal angiography)

4. Perform hands-on exercises to build skill and confidence.

Session Description:

This session is designed to introduce the participant to procedure codes and HCPCS code assignment for catheter-based cardiac and peripheral vascular procedures, including diagnostic cardiac catheterization, percutaneous coronary interventions, peripheral angiography, peripheral transcatheter procedures, and combined cardiac and peripheral procedures.

Basic cardiac and peripheral vascular anatomy will be reviewed. Definitions and key concepts will be discussed, including selective and nonselective catheterization, vessel order, vascular families, and imaging supervision and interpretation. Each of the above-listed procedure categories will be reviewed in detail, including procedure technique, device(s) used, procedure codes and coding guidelines, and key reimbursement principles. To reinforce leaning, participants will complete case studies that utilize actual dictated procedure notes. The presentation will walk the participant through the report to identify the specific documentation that is needed to support each procedure code.

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*Note: This is the 2009 Abstract for this session. The 2010 Abstract will be posted at a later date. All abstracts are subject to change.
2009 Advanced Cardiology Session
Instructional hours: 7

The goal of this session is to prepare participants for accurate reporting of cardiology services in 2009.

Objectives:

1. Understand and apply the new and revised 2009 procedure codes and HCPCS codes for invasive cardiology services and heart rhythm procedures.

2. Identify the 2009 Medicare payment policy changes related to cardiology. Both physician and hospital reimbursement will be discussed.

3. Identify the aspects of the 2009 Office of Inspector General Work Plan related to cardiology.

4. Discuss “hot topics” and problematic areas in coding for invasive cardiology and heart rhythm procedures, including:
• Combined cardiac and peripheral vascular procedures (for example., renal and lower extremity arteriograms with heart cath)
• Biventricular pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) procedures
• Peripheral transcatheter procedures (stent placement, angioplasty, atherectomy, etc.).
• Electrophysiology (EP) ablation procedures
• Echocardiograms
• Evaluation and management (E/M) services
• Pacemaker and ICD checks

Session Description:

This session will familiarize the participant with the 2009 coding and reimbursement changes for invasive cardiology and heart rhythm procedures. Procedure codes and HCPCS changes will be examined in detail, and payment implications for both physicians and hospitals will be identified. Participants will practice using the new and revised codes in hands-on exercises.

Medicare payment policy changes relevant to cardiology (e.g., coverage changes, changes in payment methodology, claims edits) will be reviewed. Both the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule changes and the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System changes will be examined. Additionally, the 2009 OIG Work Plan will be reviewed as it relates to cardiology, with recommendations as to how participants can minimize their compliance risks for 2009.

“Hot topics” in cardiology coding will then be discussed. These are areas that are particularly complex and/or problematic, including combined cardiac and peripheral cases; biventricular pacemakers and ICDs; peripheral transcatheter procedures; EP ablation procedures; echocardiograms; E/M services; and device checks.

Attendees will receive a comprehensive participant guide that includes basic cardiovascular anatomy and disease process, procedure descriptions, definitions and key concepts, and procedure codes coding guidelines for invasive cardiology and heart rhythm procedures. This manual is designed to reinforce key learning points and serve as a valuable reference after the conference. Attendees will also receive graphic job aids designed to expedite the coding process.

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Hotel Online Booking CLICK HERE use code CODI10

Hotel Online Booking CLICK HERE
use code CODI10