Code-X

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery’s premier CD-ROM coding resource - Code-X - is available and ready for shipment. This resource is sure to help your practice save time, save money, reduce risk, and increase reimbursement.

• CPT/ICD-9 cross-reference capabilities to improve specificity and guard against those dreaded diagnosis does not support code” denials.

• CPT and ICD-9 look up feature to ensure use of current codes. Users can search for CPT code by number, phrase or body part which diagnosis codes can be found by referencing number or phrase.

• “AKA” files – these “also known as” files links diagnosis lingo commonly used by Orthopaedic surgeons but not found in the ICD-9 book, helping staff decipher physician lingo.

• Global service data, which details what’s included versus not for each procedure code. New for 2002, the CCI edits are included too. Decrease coding errors and back office work by ensuring correct coding which follow standard bundling rules.

• RVUs for each CPT code including detail on all three components: work, practice expense and malpractice expense. Great for checking work RVUs for use in physician compensation programs and productivity tracking.

• An RVU-based payment calculator incorporates geographic location (via the GPCI) and allows for payment calculation on varying percentages of Medicare. New for 2002, multiple procedures in one session can be entered and the Calc History will compute the reimbursement with the –51 reduction built in. This boosts payment posters ability to spot low-pays and can assist with fee schedule updates.

• Add-on codes and modifier –51 codes are clearly marked with standard CPT symbols “+” and “”. This feature also aids payment posters in checking for and appealing inappropriate discounts carriers may apply to these codes.

• Global days for every procedure. Charge entry personnel can double check follow up services and whether they should be billed. Especially important for starred procedures which are designated in Code-X with the “*”

• As if all that weren’t enough your subscription to Code-X also includes a bi-annual newsletter Code –Xtra, filled with coding and reimbursement tips to keep you informed and up-to-date.

• PDA users will also like the CPT lookup feature which can be downloaded to your Palm Pilot or Windows Pocket PC; current CPT info at your fingertips.

Pricing

Code-X is $379 for nonmembers, and $349 for AAOS members.

To Order

Call the Academy at 1-800-346-2267. Be sure to mention Priority code ZUPKO – a special code for KZA clients and friends that ensures speedy delivery.

What KZA Coding Experts say About Code-X

Margi Maley, KZA consultant and AAOS instructor, notes that “Physicians are often confused regarding what procedures will be reimbursed for assistant or co-surgeons. Code-x identifies Medicare rules for these modifiers by code!”

Mary LeGrand, KZA consultant and AAOS instructor, says, "I depend on Code-X whenever I am doing practice or chart audits - it's an efficient way to assess coding efficiency and compliance. As an experienced consultant, I recommend Code-X"