ASCP 2018: MIPS and CMS—Codes, Rules and Fee Schedules

By Brenda Cox, MT(ASCP)

Many presentations at the ASCP 2018 Annual Meeting focus on the pre-analytic and analytic processes of laboratory and pathology testing. Once the result is finalized or the pathologic diagnosis is complete, work processes must then concentrate on revenue collection – getting paid for services performed! The current reimbursement environment is based on the proper use of several coding systems, policy implications and fee schedules.

My ASCP Annual Meeting session, 2018 Pathology Coding and Reimbursement Update, will educate attendees about current and upcoming changes in coding systems. The session will discuss 2018 Merit Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) changes and options for compliance, as well as highlight fee schedule changes proposed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2019 implementation.

To learn about the ASCP 2018 Annual Meeting’s more than 250 hours of cutting edge education, click here.

The session, 2018 Pathology Coding and Reimbursement Update, will be presented Oct. 3 at 8 a.m. by Brenda Cox, MT(ASCP), Editor of the Pathology Service Coding Handbook, a publication of the American Pathology Foundation. She began her career in medical technology that served as the basis for pathology practice management. Being a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), she is skilled in ICD and CPT coding, financial and revenue cycle management and third-party payer compliance.