APMA News - November/December 2019 - 12

The Coding Seminar
continued from page 11

APMA's expertise doesn't just reside in the knowledge of
its members; APMA is in the room when coding decisions are
being made.
"APMA plays a role in the development and valuation of
these codes," explained Dr. Lehrman. "APMA has representation at the AMA CPT Editorial Panel where the CPT codes actually get created, deleted, and modified. Furthermore, APMA
also has representation at the
Relative Value Update Committee (RUC), which is where
values are assigned to CPT
codes, which ultimately results
in equating dollars to CPT
codes. Similar to having a presence at the AMA CPT Editorial
Panel, this role at the RUC provides APMA insight that others
providing this education just
don't have."
It is important to note that
both presenters carry the credential "CPC," or Certified Professional Coder. This designaDavid Freedman,
tion from the American
DPM, CPC, CPMA
Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) demonstrates an
uncommon level of commitment to and excellence in medical
coding and requires proficiency in ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS
Level II. The credential represents all medical coding, not just
foot and ankle.
The Coding Seminar will cover a range of foot and ankle
coding topics, such as CPT coding, E/M codes, medically unlikely edits, and ICD-10 updates.
"Some new ICD-10 codes went into effect on October 1 this
year, and there were various updates that affect podiatry," said
Dr. Freedman. "A few examples include phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, and embolism codes I80- and I82-; L89 sixth character,
which is described as 'Pressure-induced deep tissue damage';
and Z86 personal history. Congenital Q66 codes now have laterality, and Q79 Ehlers-Danlos syndrome now requires a fifth
code. Changes to CPT codes are coming on January 1, 2020."
The seminar will also address future updates.
"Some big changes take effect January 1, 2021," said Dr.
Lehrman. "The AMA CPT Editorial Panel is changing the description of the E/M codes that we all use in our offices. The way
we determine the E/M code in the office setting has not changed
since 1997, and it is changing for 2021, so this is a big deal.
Podiatrists use these codes every day. We will cover this change
in detail so attendees are ready."
"I probably get more questions about E/M codes than anything else, so understanding these changes is really important," he added.
12 APMA News November/December 2019

The responsibility for coding is different in each practice.
In some, the physician takes the lead, but in others, it might be
an assistant. The Coding Seminar is the must-attend event for
whoever handles coding in your office.
"Generally, the staff are very involved in coding and billing,"
said Dr. Freedman. "They need to understand why one thing is
done one way and others are done another. The patient will be
asking them billing questions first, long before they ask the doctor their questions. A well-informed staff is key to being successful in billing and coding at the front desk."

Dr. Lehrman has seen the
benefits of bringing the right people
to the event. "The staff who attended
[the 2019] seminar were engaged,
taking notes, and asking lots of
productive questions. We look
forward to seeing another big
staff turnout in Dallas!" he said.
Dr. Lehrman has seen the benefits of bringing the right
people to the event. "The staff who attended [the 2019] seminar were engaged, taking notes, and asking lots of productive questions. We look forward to seeing another big staff
turnout in Dallas!" he said.
The Coding Seminar will provide valuable insights for all
attendees, whether they are seasoned coders or just starting out.
"Anyone attending should leave the session with one or
more 'pearls' they did not know [previously]," said Dr. Freedman.
The 2019 seminar was a sold-out event earlier this year in
Boston.
"The feedback was so excellent that the first thing we said in
starting to plan for Dallas was, 'Let's mimic Boston as much as
we can,'" said Dr. Lehrman. "We are keeping it one day and the
same hours, as that was well received. However, one change we
are making based on survey results is to allow more time for
Q&A. Additionally, in Dallas, attendees have the option to purchase physical copies of the presentation slides prior to the
event." (Note: Registered attendees will receive a link to access
electronic meeting materials prior to the event. There is a $25
fee for hard-copy materials, which will be given to attendees at
check-in.)
To receive the gold standard in foot and ankle coding education, register for The Coding Seminar now at www.apma.org/
thecodingseminar and take advantage of reduced fees through
January 31. APMA members and assistants pay the low rate of
$299 for six CECH; young physicians and residents pay even
less! Last year's event sold out, so act now to reserve your spot
and pay the best possible price.
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http://www.apma.org/thecodingseminar http://www.apma.org/thecodingseminar

APMA News - November/December 2019

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