Digest Number 772- codes

[Guest guest]

Message: 16

 

Tue, 30 Nov 2004 09:28:50 EST

 

acudoc11

 

Re: Digest Number 770 acupuncture codes

 

 

 

<<robbee

 

 

Change especially when immensely innovative....takes time.

 

 

Don't forget that CPT is a coding system designed for MDs/DOs and managed by

 

MDs/DOs. It was never primarily designed for other types of healthcare

 

practitioners and appears that it will never seriously be other than that. At

best it

 

offers crumbs to other than MDs/DOs.

 

 

When (not if) the ABC codes get approved under HCPS and carriers like Aetna

 

et al adopt the full set......and others are forced by business to follow you

 

not only will not get denied but you will be able to be reimbursed for a lot

 

more than 1 acupuncture code.

 

 

Having been exposed to Dr. Sohn as I was..... I know you are much more than a

 

technician and should be compensated and respected in kind.

 

 

Lastly.......tell me how many denials are eventing EVEN when using CPT codes?

 

Its a rhetorical question as we all know there are tons.

 

 

Richard >>

 

 

Richard, i do not have many problems with the Insurance industry, aside from

being laughed at with the ABC codes. I am a provider for one company only

because they only reimburse acupuncture performed by Licensed Acupuncturists

(NCCAOM certified). Otherwise, I charge patients my fee, give them an insurance

bill and allow them to submit the forms. If acupuncture is covered by their

policy they seem to get anywhere from $20 to $50 back from their insurance

companies, an amount people are very happy with. The other innovation that has

been helpful for patients is the creation of " flex " plans. This is where the

patient can put away a specific amount of tax free dollars (amount chosen by the

individual) at the beginning of the year which must be used for medicial

treatments. Of course they run the risk of losing their money if they do not

spend

it, so it basically guarantees that they will spend that amount on their

health care! I admit, working in NYC is different, because patients do expect

to

pay for services, unlike other areas of the country or world.

robbee

[Guest guest]

robbee

 

all great people and things seem to be laughed at.......in the beginning.

the same is true of ABC Codes but don't let such a small inconvenience

discourage.

you may not have problems with reimbursements but there are many who do

because they are active and proactive on the billing end.

 

Richard

 

 

In a message dated 12/1/2004 2:22:04 PM Eastern Standard Time,

TashiDelay writes:

 

Richard, i do not have many problems with the Insurance industry, aside from

being laughed at with the ABC codes.