BackTable / OBGYN / Podcast / Episode #55
Insights on OBGYN Coding & Reimbursements
with Dr. Barbara Levy
This episode of the BackTable OBGYN podcast features Dr. Barbara Levy, an OBGYN and seasoned expert in medical coding and reimbursement, discussing the nuances of medical billing, the process of creating medical codes, and how medical practices and expenses are valued differently.
This podcast is supported by:
Be part of the conversation. Put your sponsored messaging on this episode. Learn how.
BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2024, May 28). Ep. 55 – Insights on OBGYN Coding & Reimbursements [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
Stay Up To Date
Follow:
Subscribe:
Sign Up:
Podcast Contributors
Dr. Barbara Levy
Dr. Barbara Levy is a professor at George Washington University and a volunteer at the University of California San Diego OBGYN and reproductive sciences department.
Dr. Amy Park
Dr. Amy Park is the Section Head of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, and a co-host of the BackTable OBGYN Podcast.
Dr. Mark Hoffman
Dr. Mark Hoffman is a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at the University of Kentucky.
Synopsis
Key topics from this episode include the impact of indirect practice expenses, the role of different organizations in surveying costs and implementing new codes, the importance of coding for procedure reimbursement, and a task force’s findings on gender disparities in coding. The conversation transitions into the practical implications of where procedures are performed (office vs. surgical center vs. hospital) and how this impacts payment and patient costs. Dr. Levy emphasizes the efficiency and patient benefits of office-based procedures, exemplified by the Cerene cryotherapy ablation device. The complexities of the reimbursement system, including work Relative Value Units (RVUs), facility fees, and the push towards bundling services, are unpacked. The episode underscores the importance of understanding healthcare economics to advocate effectively for patient care improvements.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:24 - History of Medical Coding
11:32 - The Process of Medical Code Creation
21:15 - Understanding RVUs and Practice Expenses
26:35 - Challenges of Accurately Valuing Procedures
32:05 - Changing Codes/Reimbursement: Endometriosis Example
36:06 - The Art and Science of Medical Coding
39:26 - Site of Service and Facility Fees
51:15 - Benefits of Outpatient Procedures
55:46 - Example: Cerene Cryoablation
58:14 - Addressing Gender Disparities in Medical Reimbursement
Resources
ACOG Resources on Coding and Billing:
https://www.acog.org/practice-management/coding
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.