Coding Services

Accurate and timely coding is extremely important to providers and all third-party payers.  Quality, expert coding is integral to minimizing compliance risk while providing optimal appropriate revenues. More than ever, it's imperative that you have complete confidence in the coding being done on your behalf.

At Nicka & Associates we employ only credentialed coders with a minimum of three years emergency medicine and urgent care coding experience. With that kind of experience, you can be confident that you're receiving the highest-quality coding services. All of our coders are extremely familiar with the reimbursement arena, and are current on correct coding initiatives, bundling and unbundling procedure changes, payer specific requirements and any state or federal government compliance issues.

Our coding solutions offer you the confidence and peace of mind you desire when seeking a quality service provider. Whether you're in need of a total solution or just a few select services, such as back log or vacation coverage, Nicka & Associates has an effective, reliable and cost-efficient solution for you.

Specifically, Nicka & Associate's coding services include:

	Assignment of E/M Level, CPT, HCPCS, ICD-9 codes and modifiers for professional and/or facility services for each patient treated in the ED or Urgent Care Center.
	A reconciliation process to ensure that every chart is coded.
	Initial on-site physician and nursing workshops to encourage documentation that is supportive of professional coding.
	We provide follow-up communications as needed to ensure your team can keep up with and stay informed about ever-changing guidelines.
	Monthly documentation feedback for each clinician detailing any and all records missing adequate documentation, along with suggested tips for improvement.
	Fee schedule review
	Monthly administrative reports (samples available upon request)
	Return of codes to the billing vendor of your choice via encrypted e-mail or electronic download, as desired by the client.

The Nicka Coding Process

	On a daily basis, the hospital sends a copy of the daily log and copies of complete charts for each patient treated in the ED/Urgent Care Center. Medical record copies should include all ED/Urgent Care physician and nursing documentation, as well as each patient's demographic sheet. Nicka & Associates may also receive scanned files as desired by the client.
	Our reconciliation staff will compare the ED/Urgent Care daily log with the charts which are received. The client is then sent a list of missing or incomplete charts that need to be forwarded for coding. Our detailed and accurate process ensures that all records are coded.
	Within three business days of record(s) receipt, Nicka & Associates coders assign codes (as discussed above) for each ED/Urgent Care patient.
	Codes are returned via the client's preferred method of delivery - ground/air shipping, encrypted e-mail or electronic download - for billing purposes.