Faculty Group Practice Newsletter

Congratulations to Irfan Masood, MD, the Academy of Master Clinicians' October Clinician of the Month. Dr. Masood is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology.

Effective Oct. 1, 2023, there are more than 433 diagnosis code changes, including 395 code additions, 25 deletions, and 13 code revisions. This brings us to a grand total of 78,000 diagnosis codes allowing for coding to the highest specificity possible. It is essential everyone involved in coding be educated regarding coding and documentation requirements

Did you know UTMB Population Health has a monthly newsletter? Check out the latest edition for news and tips on immunization awareness.

The Faculty Group Practice is pleased to welcome Laura Ellender, MSN, RN, CEN, FNP-C, to the role of Director, Advanced Practice Providers!

UTMB’s Department of Otolaryngology has established a strong reputation for excellence. Its new chair, Dr. Nausheen Jamal, is eager to build up the department and gain even greater recognition for its multitude of assets.

The provision of healthcare involves many challenges, some of which require us to recognize and navigate ethical dilemmas. Many hospitals, including the UTMB system, have an entire service dedicated to helping people navigate these dilemmas.

With the new 2021 E/M coding guidelines for office visits and most recently, the new 2023 E/M coding guidelines for inpatient services published by the AMA and approved by CMS, we find many providers, nationwide, billing based on Total Time instead of Medical-Decision-Making (MDM).

Welcome to UTMB Health!

Congratulations to Alok Makam, MD, the Academy of Master Clinicians' September Clinician of the Month. Dr. Makam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology.

Congratulations to Ravi S. Radhakrishnan, MD, MBA, FACS, FAAP, FAHA, Pediatric Surgeon-in-Chief and Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Surgery.

For patients experiencing allergy issues, finding relief may not be as simple as picking up an over-the-counter medication. But with the right guidance from a physician, an effective solution can be just as attainable.

The impact and popularity of diabetes medications used off-label for weight loss have been undeniable – from social media testimonials to water-cooler talk amongst colleagues. Now, some patients are scrambling to find affordable alternatives.

The Texas Medical Board requires physicians to complete 48 hours of Continuing Medical Education every 12 to 24 months depending on your licensure cycle. Licenses that end in an even number expire in years that end in an even numbered year and licenses that end in an odd number expire in odd numbered years.

Congratulations to Meagan Aldridge, Residency Program Coordinator II in the Department of Surgery, CT Division.

Congratulations to Dr. Lucy Villarreal, the Academy of Master Clinicians' August Clinician of the Month.

The eyes serve as a window to health, as a routine exam may reveal not only vision problems but also high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. National Eye Exam Month, observed each year in August, reminds us that comprehensive eye exams are essential preventive health care.

Chronic cough is a commonly encountered clinical complaint across a multitude of specialties. We are all likely to encounter it in both our professional and personal lives. UTMB's Director of Voice and Swallow, Dr. David Bracken, shares more about this common concern.

Jill Resendez, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, a nurse practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery, has found her passion in helping individuals regain their confidence.

Choosing the specific amputation procedure code from the surgeon’s operative note can be a challenge for coders. If there is not enough information to know where the amputation took place, the coder will query the surgeon.

Welcome to UTMB Health!