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Please note that content provided in these modules is based upon the 2020 codes.

This ASPS University course is a series of eLearning modules designed to illustrate the various scenarios where plastic surgeons perform services and how to correctly code the billing for each of those services performed. This course was developed exclusively for those who code for plastic surgery, and gives an introductory level of understanding of the many topics discussed in the annual coding workshop. In total this enduring material contains a total of nine eLearning courses. Built into several courses, within the bundle, are bonus resources and job aids. You can find these free downloadable handouts in the Resources section of various courses.

This course is also available without CME for office staff here .

Courses include:

• Introduction to Medical Terminology
• Breast Surgery and Reconstruction Overview
• Breast Reconstruction - Reconstruction Flaps
• Tissue Transfer, Flaps and Grafts
• Breast Surgery Revisions
• Fraud and Waste
• Global Surgery
• Laceration and Wound Repair
• Wound Care and Debridement

Course Objectives

Introduction to Medical Terminology

In this course you will learn how to decipher complex medical terms. By learning the common prefixes, suffixes and roots that are combined to create medical terms, you will be able to figure out the meaning of complex medical terminology. You will also be provided with several job aids that you can use for future reference.

At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the function of prefixes, suffixes and root words
• Identify common prefixes, suffixes and roots used in medical terminology
• Define medical terms by knowing the individual meaning of prefixes, suffixes and roots

Breast Surgery and Reconstruction Overview

This course provides an overview of breast surgery and breast reconstruction process. You’ll also learn about general payer information related to breast surgery and reconstruction.

At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Recognize the importance of laws, payer rules and documentation
• Describe common techniques used in breast reconstruction
• Distinguish between reduction and augmentation mammoplasty
• Describe the revision of a reconstructed breast
• Define gynecomastia and explain the relation to male mastectomy

Breast Reconstruction - Reconstruction Flaps

In this course, you will learn about the different types of flaps used in breast reconstruction surgery and identify the correct CPT codes for each procedure.

At the completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Describe the different types of tissue flaps used to rebuild the breast
• Discuss the fat grafting techniques
• Identify the correct CPT codes for each procedure

Tissue Transfer, Flaps and Grafts

In this course, you will learn about the different types of flaps and grafts used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Tips for coding flaps and grafts will also be discussed.

At the completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Describe the use of flaps and grafts
• Distinguish between local, regional and microvascular flaps
• Recognize the CPT codes used for the three main flap types and others
• Identify commonly used CPT graft codes
• Use flap and graft coding tips to accurately recorded procedures

Breast Surgery Revisions

In this course you’ll learn about the different kinds of surgeries performed to correct issues resulting from previous breast surgeries. You’ll also learn how to identity the correct CPT codes to accurately document revisions.

At the completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Summarize the reasons for medically necessary revisions.
• Describe the types of breast surgery revisions.
• Describe the removal and the exchange of implants
• Describe the procedure for replacement of a tissue expander
• Explain the need for extensive revisions and thorough documentation
• Identify the correct CPT codes for revisions

Fraud and Waste

This course will teach you the consequences and impact of healthcare fraud and waste. Emphasis will be placed on plastic surgery coding fraud, including how to detect, identify and report such fraud.

At the completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Describe common types of fraud in health care and define the costs
• List examples of fraud and waste within plastic surgery
• Define upcoding and unbundling
• Recognize federal and state authorities that investigate fraud
• Explain the four main laws governing Medicare fraud and waste
• Describe methods for preventing and detecting healthcare fraud and waste

Global Surgery

In this course you will learn about the three types of global surgical packages as well as key information about billing and payment rules.

At the completion of this course you will be able to:
• Explain the concept of paying surgeons a global payment for all services related to a surgery
• List the services covered under the global surgery payment
• Discuss the three types of global surgery packages
• Discuss billing for different localities and physicians
• Explain post-operative care, procedures and CPT coding
• Recognize the importance of accurately reporting data

Laceration and Wound Repair

This course will focus on wound repair reporting classifications and the need for active wound care.

At the completion of this course you will be able to:
• Define the term laceration
• Distinguish between Simple, Intermediate, and Complex wound repairs
• Select the correct CPT code for each type of repair
• Identify patterns for reporting complex repairs
• Use laceration and wound repair coding tips to report repairs

Wound Care and Debridement

This course focuses on the use of debridement to remove unhealthy tissue and promote wound healing.
At the completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Discuss debridement and explain its importance in wound care
• Distinguish between excisional and selective or non-selective debridement
• Use debridement CPT coding and documentation tips to accurately document procedures
• Identify excisional debridement codes and selective debridement codes
• Explain negative wound pressure therapy and associated CPT codes

Now Includes Bonus Course: ICD-10-CM Introductory Course

Introduction to ICD-10-CM is designed to provide broad familiarity with the ICD-10-CM codebook and the steps necessary to accurately report new codes for plastic surgery. This in-depth and interactive course begins with the basic structure and concepts of the new system and progresses into the specifics of coding the diseases, locations and causes that frequently arise within the specialty. By using “Now You Code It” interactive exercises, downloadable coding challenges and a CME exam, this single module will quickly help coders make a smooth transition to ICD-10-CM.

Upon completion of the online course, the participant should be able to:

• Demonstrate familiarity with ICD-10-CM Codebook
• Identify the necessary steps to successfully report ICD-10-CM codes
• Accurately code Plastic Surgery case examples using ICD-10-CM

Accreditation Information

Directly provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS®)

Accreditation Statement
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.