wound clinic set up

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I am a RN with my BSN and went through the WCEI training to receive my WCC. The small hospital I work at is trying to start a wound clinic and has looked to me to get it running. I have never done anything like this before. I have now written policies and ordered dressing suuplies. I have a clinic room set up, but the hang up seems to be coding. I am finding that we are not able to change for dressing supplies. When I was looking up HCPCS codes I was told that anything that starts with an "A" is not chargeable.

Is this true and if so how do clinics bring in revenue? I enjoy the work but am finding the paperwork giving me a headache. Any suggestions out there?

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Specializes in Hospice, Geriatrics, Wounds.

Little off topic...but.....if you have your BSN why in the world didn't you go the WOCN route?

I also took the WCEI class, and am WCC. however, I didnt have a choice, I only have my ASN....

The WOCN classes are much more in depth, and likely would have exposed you to the very information you are seeking. ..

Not trying to step on toes...just curious...

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I find that many people asking this question realize that there are many companies out there that profit from hospitals like this, needing a wound clinic startup. It's not really an industry secret or anything, but there is definitely a method to the madness. I suggest the hospital bring in a consultant to assist with this process, or there is a high likelihood of failure. You can private message me if you have any other questions. I built our hospitals wound clinic from the ground up, and have been running it for two years now.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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Well at the time I did not know about the WOCN route. I have done wound care before here and there in home care but was not familiar with the specifics. So now I have the WCC and will go from there.

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You will probably benefit by speaking with the HIM manager in your hospital about the billing and coding issues and maybe they could lend you one of the coders or take on helping you set up a simple "front office".

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