OPINIONLetters to the Editor - Jan. 30, 2006Handle claims on case-by-case basis instead of blending - Blend codes but provide pay supplement for special cases Handle claims on case-by-case basis instead of blendingRegarding "Higher coding spurs insurer to 'blend' pay rates" (Article, Dec. 26, 2005): I was appalled to read that insurance companies are starting to pay the same for 99213 and 99214 levels of service. Doctors should not sign contracts with the companies that are doing this. If insurance companies think that doctors are "upcoding" and charging for a level of service that was not medically necessary, the insurance company should have to contest this on a claim-by-claim basis. --Audrey Spencer, MD, Maysville, Ky. Blend codes but provide pay supplement for special casesRegarding "Higher coding spurs insurer to 'blend' pay rates" (Article, Dec. 26, 2005): The current coding system is very confusing and takes a lot of office time. It seems to me there could be one standard "blended" for all office visits. For complex visits, a supplemental amount could be added. This could be revenue neutral, since the amount paid out would be the same as the old system, except the costs for doctors and insurers should be less, so everyone comes out ahead. --Jeremy E. Alperin, MD, Weslaco, Texas Copyright 2006 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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