The September 2025 issue of CPT® Assistant raised important questions about how to appropriately level an evaluation and management (E/M) encounter when the presenting problem is an acute, uncomplicated illness or injury. A growing number of providers have been assigning Level 4 codes simply because an antibiotic was prescribed. However, this approach may not be […]

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Medical billing and coding encompasses a wide range of responsibilities—from patient registration and claim reimbursement to final payment delivery to the provider. Navigating this process requires close collaboration among billers, coders, insurance companies, patients, and various healthcare professionals. Although often grouped together as a single discipline, billing and coding are distinct roles that work in […]

The post Claim Denials: Coding Mistake or Billing Oversight? appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

As more practices begin offering screening services, questions around billing for Medicare-specific G codes are becoming more common. In this episode, Terry breaks down when it’s appropriate to bill for preventive services, which providers are eligible, and what requirements must be met. To bill G codes, providers must be enrolled as Medicare suppliers and follow […]

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CMS has updated its stance on Medicare payments during the federal shutdown, confirming that only certain claims will be held—reversing earlier guidance that hinted at a wider pause. But what does this mean for Telehealth and other temporary policies that expired on October 1? Terry breaks down the latest developments, what’s at risk, and what […]

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In this episode, Terry tackles a common pitfall in coding and CDI workflows: skipping straight to the Assessment and Plan (A/P) section of an E/M note to determine service level. Are you overlooking key documentation that could support medical decision-making, risk, or time? She also calls out a frequent habit among surgery coders—coding from the […]

The post Tips on Reviewing MRs for Coding Accuracy appeared first on Terry Fletcher Consulting, Inc..

Terry explores the critical role coders and auditors play in holding providers accountable. From reviewing clinical documentation and medical record notes to verifying patient eligibility, addressing cases where minors receive treatment without a parent present, and identifying excessive repeat visits lacking medical necessity, this episode highlights the detailed oversight that ensures provider compliance and quality […]

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In this episode, Terry breaks down the upcoming Prior Authorization pilot programs launching for Medicare Part B Professional Services on January 1, 2026, and for Ambulatory Surgical Centers starting December 15, 2025. She outlines which medical services will be impacted and what providers need to know as these changes roll out. Terry also shares the […]

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In this episode of the CodeCast Podcast, Terry addresses a common misconception among medical providers: the belief that simply listing a patient’s medications or repeatedly noting “continue meds” is enough to support a moderate-level evaluation and management visit, such as CPT codes 99214 or 99204. In reality, this documentation alone does not meet the criteria.= […]

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