Avoiding audits by benchmarking your E/M coding
Stavrakas-Souba, L.
Journal of Medical Practice Management Mpm 21(1): 51-53
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 8755-0229 PMID: 16206808 Document Number: 585590
Providers are well aware that appropriate coding is the key to prompt payment of claims submitted for services. Payers do reserve the right to review payments at a later date, however. The auditing process is costly, time consuming, and often traumatic for practices. This article provides an overview of the coding and payment process. The author suggests that practices audit their own clinical records on a periodic basis and compare the distribution of their codes with national and/or specialty benchmarks. In addition, practices must weigh whether the coding level is supported by appropriate documentation.