Q: We have gotten conflicting advice regarding ICD-10-CM code categories B95-B97 (Bacterial and viral infectious agents) regarding CCs, MCCs, and severity of illness/risk of mortality. Could you clarify the impact of reporting causative organisms?
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria has a greater sensitivity than quick sepsis-related organ failure assessment (qSOFA) as a screening test to initiate treatment for sepsis in non-intensive care unit patients, according to the recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Danielle Richmond says that while inpatient coder shortages are nowhere near what they were with ICD-9-CM, new challenges have emerged. This article shares important advice for any managers trying to improve their coder recruitment and hiring process.
James S. Kennedy, MD, CCS, CCDS, CDIP, writes that clinical validity, documentation, and ICD-10-CM coding applicable to liver disease remains a great challenge to those invested in severity and risk-adjustment coding compliance. In this article, he reviews several pitfalls that could await facilities.
Coders often seek definitions for realistic productivity benchmarks, and standards depend on how a given facility establishes the responsibilities and expectations of its team. Therefore, before assessing a coder’s success, a facility must set goals that define that success. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
