Each physician may have his or her own way of describing a stroke. However, consistent terminology leads to accurate data to describe the care provided as well as the mortality, length of stay, and cost statistics.
Although ICD-10-CM resolves some problematic areas of coding, it isn't a panacea. Respiratory insufficiency is one diagnosis that will continue to challenge coders.
Coding managers and their team members sometimes must approach physicians in person regarding documentation. Clarification may be necessary, or perhaps you will need to coax the physician to complete certain records without further delay.
Inpatient hospitals will see CMS payment rates increase 2.3% in FY 2013 if the agency finalizes the change in the IPPS proposed rule released in April. CMS expects that in FY 2013, the documentation and coding adjustment will net an aggregate 0.2% increase. Other quality-of-care initiatives could reduce payments.