Burnout impacts morale and accuracy.In this episode of Auditing Antics, Stephanie and Michele unpack how exhaustion, staffing strain, and constant regulatory shifts quietly increase compliance risk. When teams are stretched thin coding patterns may change. Small oversights turn into denials, downcoding, or audit findings.We’re connecting the dots between human fatigue and operational exposure because compliance mistakes can happen when energy is depleted and teams are struggling to focus.Reach Out For Compliance Help Now!https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/contactSign up for our updates and the latest compliance news here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/Find our AUDITING ANTICS PODCAST for regular updates and discussions related to compliance in the medical coding and billing industry!https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/auditing-antics-podcastView our compliance consulting, auditing, and education services here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/servicesView our Coding Compliance Connection membership here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/membership View our online shop here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/online-shopView our Etsy shop here!https://sallardconsulting.etsy.com

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Got coding questions you’ve been sitting on because the answer isn’t quite clear? This live Auditing Antics Q&A is where real-world healthcare coding and billing questions get real-time, audit-focused answers. We’re breaking down E/M leveling, documentation defensibility, payer downcoding, modifier misuse, and high-risk billing patterns before they turn into denials, takebacks, or audit findings.

What happens when a vaccine visit ends with education, but no immunization is administered? In this episode, we break down when immunization counseling may be reportable, what documentation is required, and the audit risks when vaccines are refused or deferred. Join us to learn about the new 2026 vaccine counseling codes.

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Find our AUDITING ANTICS PODCAST for regular updates and discussions related to compliance in the medical coding and billing industry! ⁠https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/auditing-antics-podcast⁠

View our compliance consulting, auditing, and education services here! ⁠https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/services⁠

View our Coding Compliance Connection membership here! ⁠https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/membership⁠

View our online shop here! ⁠https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/online-shop⁠View our Etsy shop here!⁠https://sallardconsulting.etsy.com⁠

Automatic E/M downcoding has become an increasingly common, and often unquestioned, practice in payer reviews and internal audits. In this episode of Auditing Antics, we break down what automatic downcoding is, why it happens, and when it crosses the line from compliance review into improper reimbursement reduction. We discuss how payers apply internal “rules” that override documented medical decision-making, the compliance risks this creates for providers, and how organizations can identify, challenge, and defend against inappropriate downcoding. If you’ve ever seen well-supported E/M services reduced without explanation, this episode will help you understand what’s happening and what to do next.Reach Out For Compliance Help Now! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/contact

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Find our AUDITING ANTICS PODCAST for regular updates and discussions related to compliance in the medical coding and billing industry! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/auditing-antics-podcast

View our compliance consulting, auditing, and education services here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/services

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Remote Patient Monitoring is often marketed as easy, hands-off revenue, but that mindset is exactly why RPM programs fail audits. In this episode of Auditing Antics, we explain why RPM is not passive income, what active provider involvement and documentation are required, and how treating RPM like an automated service can lead to denials, recoupments, and compliance risk.Reach Out For Compliance Help Now! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/contact

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Find our AUDITING ANTICS PODCAST for regular updates and discussions related to compliance in the medical coding and billing industry! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/auditing-antics-podcast

View our compliance consulting, auditing, and education services here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/services

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This episode explores a common misconception in healthcare documentation: using words or phrases from the E/M guidelines does not automatically support a higher level of complexity or risk. We discuss why documentation must reflect the actual medical decision-making, patient condition, and care provided, and offer practical guidance for creating notes that align with compliance and coding standards.

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Sign up for our updates and the latest compliance news here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/

Find our AUDITING ANTICS PODCAST for regular updates and discussions related to compliance in the medical coding and billing industry! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/auditing-antics-podcast

View our compliance consulting, auditing, and education services here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/services

View our Coding Compliance Connection membership here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/membership

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In this episode, Skin Substitutes 2026: CMS Coverage vs Payment, we break down the growing confusion surrounding CMS’s decision to withdraw the Final Local Coverage Determinations for skin substitutes and what that decision does, and does not, mean for providers. With many assuming the LCD withdrawal delays or stops upcoming reimbursement changes, we separate fact from fiction and explain why that assumption creates real compliance and financial risk.Reach Out For Compliance Help Now! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/contact

Sign up for our updates and the latest compliance news here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/

Find our AUDITING ANTICS PODCAST for regular updates and discussions related to compliance in the medical coding and billing industry! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/auditing-antics-podcast

View our compliance consulting, auditing, and education services here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/services

View our Coding Compliance Connection membership here! https://www.stephanieallardconsulting.com/membership

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‘Tis the season for reflection—and preparation! In this special holiday episode of Auditing Antics, “Audit Under the Mistletoe: 2025 Wrap-Up & 2026 Prep,” we cozy up with a review of the year’s key coding and compliance insights and set the stage for a successful 2026. Whether you’re a coder, auditor, or compliance professional, this episode will help you end the year informed, inspired, and ready to tackle 2026 with confidence—no mistletoe mishaps required!#AuditingAntics #MedicalCoding #HealthcareCompliance #AuditPlanning #TPE #RevenueCycle #CodingUpdates #2026Audits #HolidayWrapUp #ComplianceTips #HealthcareAudits #CodingLife #AuditReady #MedicareCompliance #HIPAA #RiskManagement #CodingCompliance #AuditSeason #HealthcareRevenue #RevenueIntegrity #MedicalAudit #ComplianceMatters #CodingExcellence #HealthcareUpdates #AuditInsights #MedicalBilling #ComplianceStrategy #YearEndReview #NextYearPrep #AuditChecklist #HolidayCompliance #PodcastForCoders #HealthcarePodcast #MedicalCodingPodcast #CompliancePodcast #RevenueCyclePodcast #AuditPodcast #MedicareAudit #HealthcareLeadership #MedicalCompliance #CodingCommunity #HealthcareProfessionals #AuditTalk