Wound care procedures: new codes, deleted codes more changes from CMS for your outpatient clinic

Wound Care procedure codes and documentation requirements have been altered at a rapid pace over the past years and this year has had its share of changes including new codes and deleted codes. 

Keeping up with billing changes and requirements will allow a clinical practice to grow and potentially to thrive. This clinic chooses to utilize a flow sheet / algorithm to help staff and physician keep current with correct use of codes and charges including appropriate use of new codes.  Put into policy with education this visual summary has lead to increased compliance and communication between clinic staff, physicians and medical records staff.

The attached algorithm visualizes how to choose the correct billing procedures and reimbursement rate for common wound care codes, incorporating the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) 2011 deleted and changed codes with brief explanations.