CRN Consulting Group at the Coding & Reimbursement Network, Inc.

CRNCodingToday.com

It's here! A new CRN-sponsored online coding and reimbursement database—CRN CodingToday. Developed and administered by Physician Reimbursement Systems (PRS), the database is a complete coding and billing tool that will help you determine the proper coding and billing rules for accurate and fraud-free reporting of your services for reimbursement. CRN CodingToday contains the following resources:

All Current Procedural Terminology (CPT ) codes with full descriptors;

• All ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes;
• The complete national Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits used by Medicare;

Medicare coding rules, including the fee schedule for each state and location, payment status of the codes, modifier rules, and carrier-specific Medicare payment rules; and well-researched advice on correct coding by code when indicated.

• A Fee multiplier which allows users to multiply fees based on a percentage entered. This allows physicians who have contracts with Private Payers to provide services based on a percentage of Medicare to check fees against what they are getting paid using the modified Medicare fee schedule.

All information in this Internet-based program is housed in a secure website and updated immediately as rules change. To access the database, go to www.CRNCodingToday.com and download the database tutorial posted in Adobe Acrobat pdf format on the site’s home page. Register for a free trial period by clicking on the link “Request a 10-day trial.” Then follow the simple registration instructions to log on to the website as a user. Once logged on, you will see that CRN CodingToday is organized under five main tabs: CPT, HCPCS, ICD-9, Modifiers, Bundling, and Hot Tips.

In the example shown above, the highlighted main tab indicates that CPT/HCPCS information is displayed. Sub tabs allow you to find more specific information about the procedure. You can determine Medicare FeeSchedule payments for a procedure in your geographic area, whether any CCI edits are associated with the procedure, which ICD-9-CM codes are recognized for the procedure, and whether there is any Medicare or private payer guidance currently available. The illustration shows that you are viewing the bundling page under the CPT Ò /HCPCS tab; each code listed under the bundling tab is in hypertext. Click on a code to view the CPT Ò definition, or click twice to view further details. In the box titled “My Notes,” you and your staff members can make personal payer or coding notes pertaining to Medicare and private payers and retain these notes for future reference when accessing the procedure code. In addition, you can use the program’s powerful search engine to search by partial name or partial code number, or to browse by topic as you would in the CPT book.

The CRN is working to help members "make the most" of their reimbursement dollars ethically & correctly, by allowing them to receive all the reimbursement they are entitled to. The CRN believes that you and your staff will find this new tool useful in carrying out your coding and billing activities.

What it Costs:

What you get:

	Fast search tool to speed information lookup.
	CRN Notes section with ACS tips and information
	Complete CPT®, HCPCS Level II, ICD-9 codes and Modifier databases
	Current Medicare Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) bundling edits.
	National and local Fee Schedules, and Medicare Policy information.
	Medicare information on global fee days and modifier usage.
	Automatic calculation of fees by geographic locality.
	Full text Local Carrier Decisions (LCD's).
	Free technical support and phone training.

How to get CRNCodingToday