Coders play a vital role in applying CDI technology standards by guaranteeing that the output of automated tools aligns with compliant coding practices and official coding guidelines. Alba Kuqi, MD, MSHIM, RHIA, CCM, CRCR, CICA, CSMC, CSAF, CCS, CCDS, CDIP, breaks down a framework for selecting, implementing, and maintaining technology solutions that support compliant documentation practices.
Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , delves into the 2026 ICD-10-PCS updates that include complicated bypass, restriction, and transfer procedures, which previously could not be specifically coded. Also included are some new devices that require their own code.
Our experts answer questions on new codes introduced to differentiate multiple sclerosis subtypes, the must know concept of Elixhauser comorbidities, and key questions to address prior to coding chest pain.
Coders and CDI specialists play a central role in accurate documentation, coding compliance, and quality metrics, yet collaboration between the two often stalls. Julie Ahlfeld, RHIT, CCS, shows how building a culture where coders and CDI professionals function as true allies can be the solution to the disconnect.
There are 116 new ICD-10-CM codes available for chronic non-pressure skin ulcers, added for FY 2026. Nancy Reading, BS, CPC, CPC-P, CPC-I, explores these new codes and how they were added in response to a growing problem identified as xylazine-induced skin ulcers.
Payers are further along in the AI process as they use AI to scrub claims against their policies, which many believe is contributing to the recent uptick in denials. As organizations attempt to catch up with technological advancements and defend themselves against payers’ new tactics, departments such as coding, CDI, and revenue cycle should be prepared for increased AI integration and determine the best ways to utilize the technology.
Our experts answer questions on the proper use of the new diabetes code for cases in remission, documentation and coding solutions for denial proofing sepsis claims, and best practices for clinical validation queries.
As clinical validation becomes an area that payers and regulatory bodies are investigating heavily, the need for steadfast collaboration between coding professionals and CDI specialists has never been greater. TaraJo Vaught, MSN, RN, CCDS, CCDS-O, explores how these two teams can bridge the gaps between them and enhance their clinical validation practices to drive better outcomes across the board.
While many bone fractures are often treated in emergency rooms or orthopedic clinics, certain fractures—especially severe, complex, or high-risk ones—tend to require inpatient admission. Nancy Reading, BS, CPC, CPC-P, CPC-I , shows how recognizing severity of fractures that may warrant hospitalization helps coders capture the full scope of the patient’s condition.
It is not unusual for a professional medical coder to determine the need for multiple ICD-10-PCS procedure codes to tell the whole story about the care a patient has received during a current admission. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, MAOM/HIM/HI, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , shows how to begin by first referring to sequencing guidelines for principal and secondary ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes.
