Posted in BCBS Empire NY, Training, Updates

BCBS (NY): Proper coding for INR In-home patient monitoring

This following policy is part of BCBS (NY) administrative policy guidelines (07/01/2021)


This blog post is for providers that need to meet the INR (in-home) monitoring quality measure.

What you will learn?

  1. What is INR monitoring Quality measure?
  2. Proper coding for in-home INR monitoring
  3. Documentation requirements to meet the INR in home monitoring measure

What is INR (International normalized ratio)?:

International normalized ratio (INR) is blood-clotting test. It is a test used to measure how quickly your blood forms a clot, compared with normal clotting time.


Background:

International normalized ratio is part of the 2021 Quality Measure Set (Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) measures.

The QRS measure set is comprised of clinical quality measures, including the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures and Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) measures.


Previously, patients taking warfarin (brand name Coumadin) were heading off to the lab or clinic every few weeks for an international normalized ratio (INR) blood test. However, currently there is a small, portable device that patients on warfarin, can now self-test with a finger prick drop of blood.


Is there a provider type restriction for this quality Measure?

No, there is not provider type restriction.


As a provider, which proper codes should I use for INR in-home patient monitoring?

Below please see the proper codes that providers should use for INR in-home patient monitoring.

Meeting INR monitoring Quality Measure:

Definition: The percentage of members 18 years of age and older who had at least one 56-day interval of warfarin therapy and who received at least one international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring test during each 56-day interval with active warfarin therapy.

INR quality measure requirements.

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Author:

My name is Kate Patskovska, CPB. I am an Independent Medical Biller CPB (AAPC) and an owner of KR2 Medical Billing. KR2 Medical Billing is a full service Consulting/Medical Billing Business that is dedicated to educating, consulting, and overall improving the "financial health" of your medical practice.

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