All Articles Written by Kary Chasteen, CPC - Chief Operating Officer
All Articles Written by Kary Chasteen, CPC - Chief Operating Officer
Welcome to the archived list of all medical billing articles written and posted to the site by Kary Chasteen, CPC - Chief Operating Officer.
All articles are listed below and categorized by date, newest to oldest. Click any article link below to read the entire article.
CPT Updates in 2025, The Caregiver Training Revenue Opportunity
Let’s be honest: family caregivers are the unsung heroes of healthcare. We all know that a patient’s health often depends less on the prescription we write in the office and more on the daughter, spouse, or neighbor making sure that pill gets taken at home. For years, doctors have spent tons of unpaid time teaching these folks. We show them how to spot an infection, how to handle tough moments with dementia, or how to safely help a stroke survivor out of a chair. Historically, we just squeezed this critical work into a regular visit, or did it “off the clock” during a phone call. But in 2025, things are …
Autonomous vs Human-Assisted Medical Coding
The last five years have seen rapid adoption of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical coding space. Hospitals, physician practices, and revenue-cycle vendors all promise faster cycle times, lower labor overhead, and improved accuracy — but the reality is nuanced. Below I examine what autonomous (fully automated) and human-assisted (AI + human reviewer) coding mean in practice, summarize documented error-rate data, and lay out the practical benefits, risks, and implementation best practices organizations should consider. Definitions: what we mean by “autonomous” and “human-assisted” coding Autonomous coding describes systems that ingest clinical documentation (structured EHR data and/or unstructured clinical notes) and automatically produce ICD-10, CPT/HCPCS, modifiers, and claim bundles …
A Guide to Radiology and Imaging Coding
Radiology and imaging services are a critical part of modern healthcare. These services enable medical professionals to diagnose and treat various conditions with precision and accuracy. However, delivering these services comes with a complex web of documentation, reimbursement, and compliance requirements. At the heart of this process is radiology and imaging coding—a specialized domain of medical coding. It involves the precise classification and reporting of radiological procedures and imaging tests using a standardized system of codes. This article provides an in-depth look at radiology and imaging coding, highlighting its importance, core coding systems, common challenges, and best practices. The Importance of Radiology and Imaging Coding Radiology coding plays a significant …
A Guide for Accurately Coding Surgical Procedures
Coding for surgical procedures is a complex yet essential aspect of medical billing and healthcare management. Accurate coding ensures that healthcare providers receive appropriate reimbursement for their services and maintain compliance with healthcare regulations. This article will provide comprehensive tips for coding surgical procedures, highlighting best practices, common pitfalls, and strategies to improve accuracy and efficiency. Medical coding is a crucial process in healthcare, involving the translation of medical procedures, diagnoses, and services into standardized codes. These codes are used for billing purposes, insurance claims, and maintaining patient records. Surgical procedures, given their complexity, require meticulous attention to detail in coding to avoid errors that can lead to denied claims …
The Importance of Continuing Education for Medical Coders
Medical coding is a crucial aspect of the healthcare industry, playing a significant role in the accuracy of patient records, billing processes, and overall healthcare management. As the medical field continues to evolve with advancements in technology, updates in medical procedures, and changes in healthcare regulations, it is imperative for medical coders to pursue continuing education. This article explores the importance of continuing education for medical coders, highlighting its benefits, the challenges faced, and the opportunities available. Medical coders are responsible for translating medical procedures, diagnoses, and services into universal medical alphanumeric codes. These codes are used for billing purposes, insurance claims, and maintaining patient records. Given the dynamic nature …
