Lynelle A. Clausen, RN, BSN, writes about the struggles she faces as a CDI specialist when dealing with vague documentation, lack of criteria, and the reporting of malnutrition.
Q: If the attending physician documented, “likely mixed cardiogenic and septic shock,” can I assign ICD-10-CM codes R57.0 (cardiogenic shock) and R65.21 (severe sepsis with septic shock)?
In perusing the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) Work Plan , there are many clinical issues that we in ICD-10-CM/PCS coding compliance must address.
Coding for damage control surgery and acute blood loss anemia can be difficult when clear provider documentation is not found within the medical record. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, outlines best practices for identifying anemia and ensuring more accurate documentation.
In this article, Valerie A. Rinkle, MPA, offers guidance regarding the 340B drug discount program. She provides tips for accurate documentation of drug purchases and reviews frequently asked questions about billing for 340B-acquired drugs in 2018.
Q: Could you discuss or explain evaluating encounter billing vs. monthly billing for recurring outpatient services such as chemotherapy infusions or radiation oncology?
Complying with healthcare regulations within a coding department or physician practice involves promoting a positive attitude toward activities such as self-monitoring and staying up-to-date with healthcare regulations. Follow these steps to adhere to sound business ethics and set expectations for behavior across an organization. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
With providers continuing to expand clinical documentation improvement efforts into outpatient settings, ACDIS has published a position paper offering guidance to outpatient CDI departments for performing queries.
Shannon McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CRC, CCDS, writes about the Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) recent audit findings regarding the ICD-9-CM diagnosis code for kwashiorkor, and discusses what coders can do to stay compliant when coding guidance is lacking. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.