Longport, Inc. (OTCBB: LPTI, Pacific: LDS.P) today announced it had received a favorable advisory response from the American Medical Association (AMA) with regard to the company’s ability to bill under existing CPT coding perspective. Moreover, the company is exploring the probability that various modalities will qualify under this guideline. CPT Information Services associated with the AMA, assigns codes for diagnostic ultrasound based on modalities i.e.; A-mode, B-scan, and a new device that performs an existing technology for an area of the body for which a code has been created, is reported according to the procedure performed.

Longport, Inc., is the developer of the Longport Digital Scanner (LDS), a high-resolution, portable, digital ultrasound scanner that captures and reproduces images of soft tissue down to approximately 2 cm. The images are stored in a portable computer and can be e-mailed off-site for interpretation. The company has developed the LDS with multiple applications in mind, including wound management, identification of potential pressure ulcers and detection of metastasizing cancer in patients diagnosed with cutaneous malignant melanoma. The chief advantage to this process is that this type of imaging allows the clinician to do a soft tissue assessment non-invasively.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that, if not verifiable historical fact, may be viewed as forward-looking statements that could predict future events or outcomes with respect to Longport, Inc. and its business. The predictions embodied in these statements will involve risks and uncertainties and accordingly, Longport’s actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct. 21, 1997–NeoPath Inc. (NASDAQ:NPTH) announced today that the American Medical Association (AMA) has recently published revised Physicians’ Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-4) codes including CPT-4-Code #88152 that will apply to the AutoPap(R) 300 QC System for cervical cancer rescreening.

CPT codes are a universal system used by physicians and clinical laboratories to identify specific procedures when billing insurers for their services.

“We believe that this opens the door for many payors awaiting this decision by the AMA to include the AutoPap for reimbursement on their fee schedules,” said Dr. Alan C. Nelson, President and CEO of NeoPath Inc. “Clinical laboratories have been anxiously awaiting this decision and can now electronically file for reimbursement.”

In anticipation of this code, NeoPath has started an aggressive campaign to work with payors across the United States to establish reimbursement for the AutoPap System. It is NeoPath’s commitment to help laboratories achieve higher accuracy using the AutoPap System to rescreen Pap smears to detect potential missed abnormalities.

The codes and the code descriptions have now been published and will become effective for billing and reporting on January 1, 1998. Healthcare providers should confirm with insurance carriers when they can begin billing with the new codes, and to encourage payors to incorporate the new code on their fee schedules immediately.

NeoPath Inc., headquartered in Redmond, creates visual intelligence technology to increase accuracy in medical testing. The Company’s goal is to ensure that women worldwide receive accurate Pap smear testing to reduce the threat of cervical cancer. NeoPath’s core expertise is in the research, development and commercialization of technologies to automate the interpretation of medical images.

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, technological risks; product and manufacturing regulatory approval; the Company’s limited manufacturing, marketing, customer service and support capabilities; the Company’s sole or limited source of supply of certain components; the status of competing products; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Proxima Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that Iotrex(R), the proprietary liquid radiation source for its GliaSite Radiation Therapy System (RTS) for brain cancer, has received a current procedural terminology (CPT) pass-through code under the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The establishment of special payment for Iotrex broadens reimbursement for GliaSite and should allow more Medicare beneficiaries to receive outpatient treatment. The pass-through code should also make it easier for hospitals to manage the billing and reimbursement process for GliaSite. The code goes into effect on January 1, 2003.

The GliaSite RTS provides a safe and convenient radiation treatment option for patients with brain tumors. After surgery to remove the tumor, this technology internally delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the edges of the tumor cavity, targeting places where cancer may remain while minimizing the potential for damage to healthy tissue. This system is currently being used to treat patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent malignant gliomas, as well as metastatic brain tumors. An NCI-sponsored clinical study of GliaSite in patients with recurrent malignant gliomas demonstrated a median survival of 387 days, with 52 percent of subjects still alive one year following treatment.

“We are pleased that CMS has assigned a pass-through code for Iotrex,” said Timothy Patrick, president and chief executive officer of Proxima Therapeutics, Inc. “While GliaSite is becoming available to patients at an increasing number of centers throughout the country, we expect this code to encourage even broader adoption of this important therapy on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.”

The College of American Pathologists has developed the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine, Reference Terminology (SNOMED RT) for use in the electronic health record. SNOMED RT is more granular and provides more detail than traditional codes. More than 190,000 terms with associated concepts and relationships help document information on: diagnoses; procedures (including all clinical actions); social context; causes of injury or disease; anatomy; drugs, medical specialties; and demographics. SNOMED codes also support findings, conclusions and assessments (such as a patient’s mental state or functional capabilities).

CPT and ICD codes are used in health records for billing purposes, but many healthcare enterprises are not yet using a clinical reference terminology in addition to these billing codes. Using a clinical reference terminology with billing codes may actually increase reimbursement because the physician can document a more complete picture of a patient’s condition and the procedures used to treat him or her, and thus select the most appropriate CPT or ICD code.

SNOMED RT complements standard billing codes by providing a more detailed description of the patient encounter with consistent coding for clinical terms and concepts. The hierarchies and relationships of SNOMED RT expand functionality for complete and consistent retrieval of information, making data more accessible wherever and whenever it is needed.

Cambridge Heart, Inc. (NASDAQ-CAMH) announced today that a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code with a specific Medicare payment amount for its Microvolt T-Wave Alternans testing has been published in the Federal Register. Effective January 1, 2002, CPT code 93025 may be billed electronically. The national Medicare payment amount for the test will be $263.53.

The code is unique to Microvolt T-Wave Alternans and may be used alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic cardiovascular tests when submitting for reimbursement of claims to either Medicare or private insurers. For the first time, providers will be able to file for reimbursement of a Microvolt T-Wave Alternans Test electronically and be confident of the amount of payment.

“We are pleased to see a reimbursement amount for Microvolt T-Wave Alternans that reflects its importance as a key tool in the diagnostic armamentarium of the cardiologist,” stated David A. Chazanovitz, President and CEO of Cambridge Heart, Inc. “Our customers can now perform an alternans test on appropriate patients knowing that the reimbursement filing process has been simplified and that a reasonable payment is available.”

Mr. Chazanovitz also stated, “This removes a significant barrier to our efforts to increase market penetration and establish broad clinical use of our technology and ultimately establish Microvolt T-Wave Alternans as a standard of care for patients at risk of sudden cardiac death.”

About the Cambridge Heart Microvolt T-Wave Alternans Test

The Cambridge Heart Microvolt T-Wave Alternans Test measures extremely subtle beat-to-beat fluctuations in a person’s heartbeat called T-wave alternans. These minute heartbeat variations - measured at one millionth of a volt - are detected at elevated heart rates. Extensive clinical research has shown that patients with symptoms of or at risk of life threatening arrhythmias who test positive for Microvolt T-Wave Alternans are at significant risk for subsequent sudden cardiac events including sudden death.

About Cambridge Heart

Cambridge Heart is engaged in the research, development and commercialization of products for the non-invasive diagnosis of cardiac disease. Using innovative technologies, the company is addressing such key problems in cardiac diagnosis as the identification of those at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, the early detection of coronary artery disease, and the prompt and accurate diagnosis of heart attack. The Company, founded in 1992, is based in Bedford, Massachusetts and is traded on the NASDAQ/NMS under the symbol CAMH. Cambridge Heart can be found on the World Wide Web at www.cambridgeheart.com.

Statements contained in this press release about anticipated revenue growth, and all other statements that are not purely historical, are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, we use words such as “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause or contribute to such differences include failure to obtain funding necessary to develop or enhance our technology, adverse results in future clinical studies of our technology, failure to obtain or maintain patent protection for our technology, failure to obtain or maintain adequate levels of third-party reimbursement for use of our products and other factors identified in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Factors Which May Affect Future Results”, which is on file with the SEC. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent our estimates only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if our estimates change.

When considering becoming a medical billing specialist, you must consider the skills and abilities required. Knowing what you are looking for, making the right decision as to which medical billing specialist area you want should become fairly obvious. Take a look at what a medical billing specialist should be familiar with and what they have to do so that you can choose the right medical specialist area.

In order to become a medical billing specialist, and work from home, you should make sure you understand medical transcription and be able to use medical billing software. Medical transcription is the transferring of medical information from audio recordings to either paper or electronic format by means of medical billing software. As a medical billing specialist you should be aware of this because of the information contained in the transcripts. Data which is transferred becomes the electronic medical record which shows how much everything the medical billing specialist works with is interconnected.

Medical transcription is usually outsourced to a third party, typically one who will work from home, and is done through the use of medical billing software. Each part of the process should be overseen by someone who has been trained to do the medical transcription as a medical billing specialist.

Also as a medical billing specialist you must be familiar with the various medical codes. In addition you should know about record keeping, billing, and certification as well as understand the medical billing software. This allows you as the medical billing specialist to be familiar with the important standards that control how a medical billing specialist actually performs your job. Knowing this information is crucial if you want to be a good and an effective medical billing specialist.

For companies deciding how to choose a medical billing specialist is not easy. They must have an understanding of what all a good billing specialist knows and understands in order to make the proper selection for their medical billing specialist. The information above should help you get a feel for and understand what you should know when choosing to become a medical billing specialist.

There are many Medical Billing and Coding Classes to be found if you look. Choosing one that provides you with what is best for your career prospects requires in depth research. In this article, you will discover the 5 steps to look for when considering a Medical Billing and Coding Class

Step 1 – Where to carry out your studies

You can choose to study at home via correspondents, or at an establishment. The right choice for you will obviously be one of time constraints. If you are in full-time employment and cannot afford to take the time out to attend a Medical Billing and Coding Class, then home correspondent Medical Billing and Coding Classes is the obvious way to go.

Step 2 – Make sure you can commit to the study time

The average study time required for qualification in a CCA Medical Billing and Coding Class course is in the region of 300 hours. You need to make sure before you start the course that you won’t be stretched too much time wise. You need to make a commitment to see it through, and stick to it. If you do, then your chances of success will rocket, and stress won’t take the better of you

Step 3 – Make sure the Medical Billing and Coding Class you take include the following It is important to ensure that the Medical Billing Classes cover certain aspects. You should at least cover the following: -

Foundations of Medical Terminology

• English 101
• Medical Words
• Dynamics of Medical Vocabulary and Word Structure
• Body Dynamics
• Medical Instruments and Equipment
• Questions and Exercises
• Medical Specialties and Specialists
• Diagnostic Medicine
• Abbreviations
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Case Studies

Billing Principles and Regulations

• Who Pays and Who Benefits?
• Provider Structure and Protocols
• Hospital Billing
• Practice Economics
• Collections
• Medical Coding Systems
• Fee Profiles
• Overview of Medicare/Medicaid

Billing the Health Insurance Company

• Health Insurance Specialists
• Understanding the Terms
• Healthcare Organization Plans
• Insurance Claims
• Payer Processing
• Laws, Rules and Regulations
• Private Insurers
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Tricare

Step 4 – Stay motivated

Remember, you are taking Medical Billing and Coding Class because ultimately you want to enhance you prospects. One of the biggest killers and routes to failure is lack of motivation. If you keep in mind the following information, you will keep the reason why you started the Medical Billing and Coding Class in the first place, and it will help you stay focused and motivated.

As a qualified professional, you enter in to one of the fastest growing professions in the U.S. Certified Medical Billing professionals are in high demand throughout the healthcare industry. In fact, according to Healthcare Jobs.org, Medical Billing is one of the fastest growing opportunities in healthcare. Insurance companies and government agencies are spending more time and money researching and controlling claims fraud, abusive practices and medical necessity issues. Because of this, most companies and practices are looking for employees who are highly trained in the field. And, studies show that Medical Billers are paid accordingly for their skills. The average starting pay for a certified Medical Biller is about $35,000+ per year, with experienced Medical Billers making well over $50,000 per year!

Step 5 – Enjoy your studies – Be positive

Studies can become a chore, and a Medical Billing and Coding Class is no different than other studies. However, if you maintain a positive outlook, you should be able to enjoy the studies, and as a result you will get the major long term benefit. If however, you fall in to the trap of forming a negative attitude, then your studies will become tedious, and your desired success may suffer.

Medical billing doctors play a significant role in medical billing business. Many medical professionals run medical insurance billing services as a side business.

Medical billing doctor’s is a profession that combines the job of a doctor and a medical insurance billing professional. Even though, healthcare industry is well established in America, most healthcare providers, especially doctors, have no idea about how to make quick money. Furthermore, health maintenance organization (HMO) and many other insurance companies have reduced remuneration rates to healthcare professionals, and as a result, many doctors have to search for new revenue sources such as medical billing and seeing patients in large volume. They consider medical billing as a convenient means to get paid more. Medical billing doctors offer you services such as claims management, patient billing, receivables management, electronic processing, payroll management services, and receivables management.

As medical insurance billing professionals, doctors also carry some responsibilities. They have to check and send the patient’s claim form out to the medical insurance company, and make sure that all the information is correct.

Medical billing doctors need to be well informed on various medical insurance plans, which help them treat their patients according to the best insurance plan. As a medical billing agent, a doctor has to play a more active role in office administration. Doctor’s electronic billing services and many online medical billing services assist them in easy processing of patient claims. Lots of medical billing software packages assists doctors in creating patient statements, reprint overdue claims and statistical practice management reports, and electronic billing claims within seconds.

If you are seeking a career associated with the medical field, perhaps a medical coding education would be right for you. The medical coding occupation is expected to grow much faster then other careers over the coming decade, and training in medical coding is vital to students wishing to pursue a career in health care administration.

An education in medical coding allows individuals to process and assign formal and standardized codes to diagnoses and procedures that have been identified or performed by physicians. This, in itself, helps to speed up the process of working with medical records or other health documents, and facilitates electronic processing and payment by insurance companies and other third party providers.

While most trade schools offer medical coding courses, students should assess each program to determine which will be the most effective in meeting their vocational goals. In most cases, medical coding schools will provide in-depth curriculums covering subjects such as medical billing, medical coding, medical terminology, medical insurance, chart analysis, health management, medical law, HIPIAA Compliance matters, pharmacology, human anatomy, and preparatory courses for medical coding certification.

The Medical billing arena has recently become one of the most popular careers to get into. Medical billing is one of the fastest growing fields within the medical industry. Any good medical biller will know medical terminology, proper medical form completion, anatomy and the medical coding often used.

Other requirements include basic computer skills, typing at least 35 to 40 words per minute, good communications skills, and excellent customer service skills. Perhaps one of the reasons that medical billing jobs have become so popular in recent years is that the job can be done from the biller’s home. If a biller works from his or her home, it is possible to contract independent physicians and medical practices as clients. Home-based workers are also free to work for larger medical billing firms.

If you do not want to work from home, almost every doctor office, hospital, or nursing home employs medical billers. Typically, medical billing jobs do not require any formal education or training. However, many employers today prefer to hire billers that meet certain educational requirements from universities or vocational schools simply in an effort to protect against legal ramifications of incorrect billing practices.

An acceptable educational requirement ranges from nine months to two years from an accredited program. People working in medical billing jobs have the potential to earn between $8 and $10 an hour when they first start and then, later with much experience, up to $30 and $40 per hour. Usually, the more responsibility the biller has, the more money he or she is paid.