During February, which is American Heart Month, MedLearn Publishing is shining a spotlight on one of its most enduring and popular publications: Peripheral & Cardiology Coder. Introduced in 2001, this tried-and-true resource has assisted physician practices and hospitals with the appropriate coding of diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization procedures, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic interventional radiological (peripheral) procedures.
Peripheral & Cardiology Coder was the brainchild of healthcare coding and reimbursement consultant Terry Fletcher, BS, CPC, CCC, CEMC, SCP-CA, ACS-CA, CCS-P, CCS, CMSCS, CMC, QMGC, QMCRC, QMPM. “At the time, more and more cardiologists were providing non-coronary diagnostic and interventional radiological services, and they needed a carveout of the comprehensive coding resources available,” she explains.
But Ms. Fletcher envisioned more than just a compilation of current codes for peripheral and cardiology procedures. “What was needed, and what we developed, was a guide to the proper reporting of those codes. There was, and still is, a lot of confusion in this space surrounding physician intent, medical necessity, and coding rules. Just because there’s a code for a service, doesn’t necessarily mean you can report it.”
Available in both print and eBook formats, Peripheral & Cardiology Coder uses a number of tools, including quick-hitting tips, at-a-glance charts, anatomical illustrations, and coded case examples, to drive home compliant coding that yields the maximum allowable payment for services rendered. Thanks to a collaborative effort involving team members from various disciplines, Peripheral & Cardiology Coder continually improves over time, according to Ms. Fletcher, who has served as an expert contributor to the book throughout its entire existence.
“Each year the team performs meticulous updates involving every aspect of this resource, which includes, CPT and HCPCS codes, Medicare and other payer policies, and current CPT® and regulatory applications,” she says. “Whenever appropriate, we also update the look and design. For example, this year, the book contains a redesigned section on modifiers to better reflect compliant usage and claims submission in 2023.”
Above all, Ms. Fletcher believes that Peripheral & Cardiology Coder embodies her overriding passion, one shared by MedLearn Publishing, for doing things correctly, cleaning claims, and keeping customers fully compliant and updated. “As a result, this book isn’t just a popular specialty coding guide — it’s highly trusted industry authoritative resource.” She adds: “It’s also very reasonably priced, especially compared to other resources on the market.”
MedLearn Publishing owes Ms. Fletcher a huge debt of gratitude for the book’s successful track record since its inception 22 years ago, according to Angela Kornegor, Chief Operating Officer, MedLearn Media. “Terry understands and fully embraces the importance of ‘connecting the dots’ between the clinical and non-clinical sides of healthcare. With her as a long-time partner, we’ve empowered countless Cardiology and Specialty coders and other non-clinical staff, in making informed decisions that support the financial and compliance objectives of their organizations.”
Click here for more information about the 2023 edition of Peripheral & Cardiology Coder. Throughout American Heart Month, MedLearn Publishing is offering special deals on Peripheral & Cardiology Coder and other cardiology resources.
View the official press release here.
