title: Hitting the mark ... sometimes. Improve the accuracy of CPT code distribution.
abstract: Researchers examined the current procedural terminology (CPT) evaluation and management (E&M) code distribution before and after applying corrections for the inaccuracy of code assignment to actual CPT E&M claims. They found that code distribution differed dramatically after the practice's claims were corrected for coding errors identified by coding analysts. Physicians' poor understanding of coding guidelines and regulatory pressure to code correctly may account for the discrepancies. Regardless of the reasons, poor coding opens an organization to compliance audits and loss of legitimately earned revenue.
authors.affiliation: Division of General Pediatrics, Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. andreae@med.umich.edu
authors.forename: Margie C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Andreae
authors.forename: Max
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fawley
authors.forename: Gary L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Freed
mesh_terms: D039702:Current Procedural Terminology; D006123:Group Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007344:Insurance Claim Reporting; D014481:United States