When applying CPT modifiers -80, -81, and -82, physician coders must carefully consider details in the operative note. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , writes about the correct application of modifiers used to identify services performed by surgical assistants.
Evolving diagnostic terminology and a general lack of awareness surrounding gender fluidity can cause confusion for healthcare providers and coders. Review key considerations for the ICD-10-CM reporting of biological sex, gender identity, and other gender-related diagnoses. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS proposed a new framework for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) intended to make the transition to value-based care easier for physicians. Read up on the proposed framework, MIPS Value Pathways (MVP), and its potential impact on patients and providers beginning in 2021.
CMS released the FY 2020 IPPS final rule on August 2, which finalized its decision on requests for new MS-DRG designations for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies. Upheld from the proposed rule, CMS denied these requests.
Regularly reviewing hospital-acquired conditions (HAC) and preparing for unanticipated reporting situations will ensure your facility can submit these with the utmost accuracy. Joe Rivet, JD, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CHC, CCEP, CHRC, CHPC, CICA, CPMA, CAC, CACO, helps coders better understand HACs by outlining the basics and giving tips for improving inpatient documentation and coding for these conditions.
It’s that time of year when coders eagerly await the release of the new ICD-10-CM/PCS codes and guideline updates for the upcoming year. Adrienne Commeree, CPC, CPMA, CCS, CEMC, CPIP, tackles the fiscal year (FY) 2020 IPPS final rule to highlight 2020 code set and guideline changes. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: What would be reported as the principal diagnosis if a patient was admitted with both a urinary tract infection (UTI) and sepsis? What would be reported first if the patient developed a catheter-associated UTI with sepsis?
Cathy Farraher, RN, BSN, MBA, CCM, CCDS, writes that CDI professionals can work to reduce the incidence of physician query fatigue and gives recommendations to help improve provider response rate while reducing query frustration.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of heart arrhythmia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , reviews outpatient coding for AF and surgical techniques used to treat the condition on a case-by-case basis.
