In order to ensure that your urgent care business is coding claims correctly and getting reimbursed fairly, it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest changes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issues new updates every year, and they can have a big impact on how you submit your claims.
In this article, we'll discuss the most important changes that are scheduled for 2022 and provide some tips for making the transition as smooth as possible.
New Codes and Modifiers Relating to the COVID-19 Vaccine
One of the most significant changes in urgent care coding for 2022 is the addition of new codes and modifiers relating to the COVID-19 vaccine.
As more and more people are vaccinated, it's important that you know how to code for this service. The new CPT codes are:
Administration of intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (vaccine)
Management of vaccination complications
In order to report these services, you'll need to use the following modifiers:
RT – Right side
LT – Left side
VFC – Vaccines for Children program patients only
These new codes and modifiers will help ensure that you're properly reimbursed for administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Be sure to train your staff on how to use them correctly.
Changes to the HCPCS Level II Code Set
In addition to new codes and modifiers, there are also some changes to the HCPCS Level II code set. These changes include:
The addition of new codes for drugs and biologicals that have been recently approved by the FDA.
The deletion of a number of outdated or obsolete codes.
Revisions to existing codes, including changes in the description or status indicator.
As always, it's important to review the full list of changes in order to determine which ones will impact your urgent care center. You can find the complete list of updates on the CMS website.
Need Help With Medical Practice Management
There are dozens of medical codes to master, and many practices have difficulty navigating through the changing world of medical billing and coding. If you need help in this area, make sure to contact us today to learn more about our services.