CMS Claims TCM Codes Worth 5% Increase to Primary Care Claims; Family Practice Coding Advisor Special Report and Documentation Flow Sheet Helps Out

CMS Claims TCM Codes Worth 5% Increase to Primary Care Claims; Family Practice Coding Advisor Special Report and Documentation Flow Sheet Helps Out

Lacy Gaskins, 800-767-1181Vice President

Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) projects that the use of Transitional Care Management (TCM) codes will boost primary care practice's reimbursement by 5% if used correctly.

"A much needed boost based on years of reimbursements being transferred away from primary care to specialty practices," says Samantha Saldukas, publisher of . "Primary care practitioners perform an essential role in our health, and it is about time they've been given a chance to earn reimbursements for more of the services they provide."

is offering a TCM instructional special report and reprintable/customizable documentation flow sheet at no cost. The purpose is to assist primary care practices retrieve a piece of the estimated $1.1 billion that Medicare expects to payout this year in TCM service.

Transitional care management is basically the details surrounding the patient's care after discharge from the hospital. Its goal is to reduce hospital readmissions, and ultimately costs. "Or at least that is what CMS is counting on," adds Saldukas. Primary care offices have been providing these services to ensure the safety of their patients, but until now they haven't been able to be reimbursed for them.

The process of ensuring that the needs of discharged patients are met so they don't end up back in the hospital can be quite a challenge. But it doesn't have to be. To receive the TCM special report and documentation flow sheet go to or call 800-767-1181.

Family Practice Coding Advisor is a 10-page monthly newsletter devoted exclusively to helping family practices accurately and ethically code for the services they provide - and ultimately get paid for them. Each issue is reviewed for accuracy by expert coding veteran, Joan Gilhooly, MBA, CPC, PCS, CHCC and backed by a multidisciplinary expert Editorial Advisor Board. Family Practice Coding Advisor is published by Coding Leader, a one-stop resource for specialty-specific how-to coding information. To learn more, visit

1854 Trade Center Way, Suite 201

Naples, FL 34109

p: 800-767-1181

f: 800-767-9706

e:

w: