Reimbursement Readiness

In this episode, Donna Cartwright walks providers through the newly released ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes for wound and ulcer management, effective October 1st. She explains what has changed, why these updates matter for clinical practice, and how to apply them correctly in documentation and reimbursement. Listeners will gain clarity on the latest code additions, adjustments, and practical strategies...

In Episode 7 of Reimbursement Readiness: Business Tips for Wound Practice , Donna Cartwright joins Kathleen Schaum to tackle one of the most frequently asked questions in wound care coding: When should you report a wound or when should you report an ulcer? Donna breaks down the distinctions between acute wounds and chronic ulcers, covering examples from lacerations, burns, and surgical complicatio...

In this episode, Donna Cartwright explains why it’s critical to match ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes with the appropriate procedure codes outlined in Medicare’s Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) and Local Coding and Billing Articles (LCAs). She breaks down six key reasons these code lists matter—from ensuring medical necessity and preventing improper payments to minimizing denials, reducing audit ri...

Episode 05 – Specific Diagnosis Coding Instructions for Venous Ulcers In Episode 5 of Reimbursement Readiness: Business Tips for Wound Practice, expert Donna Cartwright returns to guide wound care professionals through ICD-10-CM coding for venous ulcers. This in-depth episode covers: Key coding terms in the Alphabetic Index: atherosclerosis, varicose veins, post-thrombotic syndrome, and chronic ve...

Episode 04 – Specific Diagnosis Coding Instructions In Episode 4 of Reimbursement Readiness, Donna Cartwright dives deep into ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding for diabetic ulcers. She walks listeners through using the Alphabetic and Tabular Indexes, explains how to apply combination coding with ulcer severity, and highlights important coding notes such as “code first” and “use additional code.” You'...

NEWS FLASH: Major Medicare Proposed Rule Changes Affecting CTPs 7/23/2025 – CMS recently released proposed 2026 changes to the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS)—including a major shift in reimbursement for cellular and/or tissue-based products (CTPs). In this Reimbursement Readiness News Flash , expert Kathleen Schaum breaks down what providers...

Episode 03 – Report Diagnosis Correctly at Every Encounter In Episode 3, coding expert Donna Cartwright joins Kathleen Schaum to begin an essential series on ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding. Listeners will gain a foundational understanding of how the ICD-10-CM system was developed, why it was adopted in the U.S., and how the codes are structured across the Alphabetical and Tabular Indexes. Donna explai...

In this episode, Kathleen Schaum answers the most frequently asked subscriber questions about Medicare’s coverage guidelines for wound/ulcer management. She clarifies how standard LCDs, LCAs, and documentation articles—especially those related to surgical dressings—should serve as your practice’s “reimbursement playbook.” Listeners will gain practical strategies for aligning clinical documentation...

In this foundational episode of Reimbursement Readiness, Kathleen Schaum walks listeners through the structure and importance of Medicare’s Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) and Local Coding and Billing Articles (LCAs). Learn how to identify and use these key documents to support your wound/ulcer management practice, avoid costly audit errors, and build a solid reimbursement strategy. Get ready...

Reimbursement Readiness: Introductory Episode – Part 2 In Part 2 of the introductory episode, Kathleen Schaum introduces the foundation for all upcoming reimbursement discussions: Medicare’s Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) and Local Coding and Billing Articles (LCAs). These essential documents serve as your roadmap to Medicare coverage. Learn how to identify the LCDs and LCAs relevant to your...

Welcome to the launch of Reimbursement Readiness: Business Tips for Wound Practice, presented by Kathleen Schaum and friends. In Part 1 of this special introductory episode, Kathleen shares the vision behind this new educational series and introduces the expert-led approach to closing reimbursement knowledge gaps in wound/ulcer management. Learn what to expect from future episodes, how to particip...