TCG Audio Conferences

		Intro to Medicare Reimbursement Series: APC 101 Level: Beginner Thursday, May 29, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific The outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) was implemented on August 1, 2000 as a means of reimbursement for outpatient hospital procedures. OPPS is comprised of Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) groups. This audio conference will provide an introduction to the basic reimbursement principles related to APC claims and identify the data elements used to determine APCs. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		OB-GYN Procedures Level: Beginner Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Orthopedic Series: Shoulder Arthroscopy Level: Beginner Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Coders encounter several challenges with reporting shoulder arthroscopy CPT codes such as understanding the acronyms (e.g., SLAP) and eponyms (e.g., Mumford, Bankhart) used to describe these procedures or distinguishing between an arthroscopic vs. an open procedure. We will describe shoulder anatomy and explore the coding challenges associated with these arthroscopic procedures. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Bill Presentation Level: Intermediate Tuesday, July 29, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Cystoscopies Level: Beginner Tuesday, August 12, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Screening Tests Level: Beginner Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Coding for screening tests can be simple and straight-forward, but the guidelines for reporting these services can be complex. We will discuss the medical necessity requirements for screening tests and review the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines for reporting these services. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		ICD-9-CM Updates for 2009 (Part 1 of 2) Level: Beginner Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Pacific For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		DRG Updates for 2009 (Part 1 of 2) Level: Intermediate Thursday, September 18, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Pacific For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Vascular Interventional Radiology Series: Catheterization Procedures Level: Intermediate Thursday, October 23, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Vascular Interventional Radiology Series: Imaging Procedures Level: Intermediate Thursday, October 30, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific The challenges with coding diagnostic imaging procedures for vascular interventional radiological services will be conquered in this audio conference. Understanding the difference between a true diagnostic image and road mapped image will be discussed. We will clarify when to use modifier -59 on diagnostic imaging codes. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Vascular Interventional Radiology Series: Vascular Transcatheter Procedures Level: Advanced Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Are you concerned about when to code both a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stent placement during the same session? Is it appropriate to code for both a diagnostic image and transcatheter procedure? These questions and more will be answered during this audio conference. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		OIG Work Plan for 2009 Level: Intermediate Thursday, November 20, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific In today's reimbursement environment, being compliant is just as important as finding lost revenue. This audio conference will delve into the Office of Inspector General's Work Plan for 2009 and provide attendees with insight about where to focus audit initiatives in the coming year. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		CPT/HCPCS Updates for 2009 (Part 1 of 2) Level: Beginner Tuesday, December 16, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Pacific The new year will once again bring numerous updates to the HCPCS level I and level II coding systems. What are the code revisions, deletions, additions? Are the codes for key areas such as infusions and observation changing yet again? What changes do you need to make to your charge description master? Has CMS addressed evaluation and management requirements? Will all changes be published in time in the new coding books? Are you ready for January 1, 2009? For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		OPPS Updates for 2009 (Part 2 of 2) Level: Intermediate Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Pacific For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

Audio Conferences on CD

		Coding for 2008: CPT/HCPCS and OPPS Updates (Part 2) Thursday, December 20, 2007 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. PST If you only listen to two audio conferences all year, make this two-part audio conference one of them. This audio conference will cover the CPT coding changes effective January 1, 2008 as well as OPPS changes covered in the Final Rule for the Outpatient Prospective Payment System. ** Purchase both dates - December 18 and 20 - and receive a 25% discount! ** For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Coding for 2008: CPT/HCPCS and OPPS Updates (Part 1) Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. PST If you only listen to two audio conferences all year, make this two-part audio conference one of them. This audio conference will cover the CPT coding changes effective January 1, 2008 as well as OPPS changes covered in the Final Rule for the Outpatient Prospective Payment System. ** Purchase both dates - December 18 and 20 - and receive a 25% discount! ** For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Compliance for 2008: The OIG Work Plan Thursday, November 29, 2007 10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. PST In today's reimbursement environment, being compliant is just as important as finding lost revenue. This audio conference will delve into the Office of Inspector General's Work Plan for 2008 and provide attendees with insight about where to focus audit initiatives in the coming year. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Orthopedic Series: Knee Arthroscopy Level: Beginner Tuesday, July 15, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Have you ever wondered if coding for arthroscopy of multiple compartments of the knee is appropriate? Can a synovectomy be reported with chondroplasty? These questions and more will be answered during this audio conference. We will review knee anatomy and explore coding rules for knee arthroscopy procedures. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Orthopedic Series: Casting, Splinting, Strapping Level: Beginner Thursday, April 24, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Knowing when to code for application of casting, splinting, or strapping continues to present confusion for facilities. In this audio conference, we will define restorative treatment and discuss the CPT coding guidelines for these services. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Intro to Medicare Reimbursement Series: DRG 101 Level: Beginner Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Twenty years ago diagnosis related groups (DRGs) referred almost exclusively to the classification system used by Medicare for payment of inpatient claims. Today, there are various DRG systems used by various payers and even Medicare DRGs recently underwent a significant overhaul. Are you a new coder trying to navigate your way through DRG terminology or a healthcare professional who has always wondered about DRG reimbursement? Please join us. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Coding and Documentation of Wound Care Level: Intermediate Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific The foundation of proper wound care coding is solid documentation. This audio conference will profile common wound care procedures and services along with documentation requirements and coding guidelines for inpatient and outpatient cases. Implementation of a documentation improvement program for wound care will also be covered. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Coding Pain Management Services Level: Intermediate Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Do you need an anesthetic to take the pain out of pain management coding? This audio conference will cover common pain management procedures, including various injection and nerve block procedures, neurostimulation, and other recent neurological advances along with updated coding information. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		Coding Electrophsyiology Studies Level: Intermediate Thursday, February 21, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Cardiac electrophysiology studies have always been a difficult area in coding. This audio conference will cover heart anatomy and electrical conduction physiology while addressing the latest coding guidelines. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.

		RAC Update Level: Intermediate Thursday, February 14, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific It's official. RACs are coming to all 50 states and Medicare has published the planned roll out schedule. What is your facility's plan for preparing for RACs? In this audio conference we will cover a brief history of the RAC initiative, its current progress toward nationwide rollout, and how to prepare for tracking RAC requests, coding audits, and increased scrutiny on one-day stays. For additional information contact: The Coding Group, (760) 448-1022, TheCodingGroup@IRM-TCG.com.