Specialists & HCC Coding

Q: The question is whether or not specialty clinics diagnostic codes count for HCC coding for the patient. We have several patients being followed very closely by a specialist and our primary care providers are being asked to put the HCC coding for those diseases. Does the provider need to list all the codes even if a specialist has entered them and sending them to billing?

A: The HCC diagnosis codes submitted and documented by specialists are accepted by CMS. When the encounter data is submitted to the health plans the specialists data is included in their submission to CMS. There are a few exceptions, such as radiology. When a patient is primarily seeing a specialist it is still a good idea for the PCP to note the condition and that it is being treated by the specialist.

Per the ICD-10 official guidelines for coding and reporting: “Code all documented conditions that coexist at the time of the encounter/visit, and require or affect patient care treatment or management. " Plus "all conditions that affect the composite picture of the patient's health need to be recorded at least once per year".

Disclaimer: This guidance is to be used for an easy reference; the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM code books and the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting are the authoritative references for accurate and complete coding. This blog may contain references or links to statutes, regulations, or other policy materials. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. The information presented herein is for general informational purposes only and is accurate as of the date of publication.

Comments

MEDICARE PREVENTIVE SERVICES FROM MEDICARE LEARNING NETWORK

This is a link to further information on the Medicare Preventive Services. The layout of it reminds me of a bingo card! Medicare Learning Network is the educational arm of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS). Remember this is further information on different types of screenings available to Medicare beneficiaries. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/ Prevention/PrevntionGenInfo/ medicare-preventive-services/ MPS-QuickReferenceChart-1. html#AWV Disclaimer: This guidance is to be used for an easy reference; the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM code books and the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting are the authoritative references for accurate and complete coding. This blog may contain references or links to statutes, regulations, or other policy materials. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. The information presented herein is for general informational purposes only and is accurate as of the date of publication.

Table VI-4. Disease Hierarchies for the 2017 CMS-HCC Model

If the Disease Group is Listed in this column… …Then drop the Disease Group(s) listed in this column is found here : Announcement of Calendar Year (CY) 2017 Medicare Advantage Capitation Rates and Medicare Advantage and Part D Payment Policies and Final Call Letter Found at: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/HealthPlans/MedicareAdvtgSpecRateStats/Downloads/Announcement2017.pdf P 87 If the Disease Group is Listed in this column… …Then drop the Disease Group(s) listed in this column Disclaimer: This guidance is to be used for an easy reference; the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM code books and the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting are the authoritative references for accurate and complete coding. This blog may contain references or links to statutes, regulations, or other policy materials. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. The information presented herein is for general informational purposes only and is accurate as of the dat...

Signature requirements

The Medicare Program Integrity Manual contains the guidance around signature requirements. They are found in chapter 3. 3.3.2.4 - Signature Requirements This material was also covered in the Part AB November 2025 webinar by Noridian entitled: Signature Requirements Disclaimer: This guidance is to be used for an easy reference; the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM code books and the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting are the authoritative references for accurate and complete coding. This blog may contain references or links to statutes, regulations, or other policy materials. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. The information presented herein is for general informational purposes only and is accurate as of the date of publication.

HCC Blog by Caridad

Search This Blog