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.
Our experts answer questions about poisonings vs. adverse effects , coding neoplasm-related conditions, and office and outpatient E/M visit complexity.
The ICD-10-CM update for 2026 included 213 new codes that incorporated the “flank” as an anatomic area related to injuries. Genetic diseases also continue to make big inroads into the tabular list of diagnoses.
Chronic conditions are among the most frequently encountered diagnoses in the outpatient setting. Accurate coding of these conditions is critical not only for proper reimbursement but also for compliance, quality reporting, and patient care continuity.
Accurate provider documentation is the foundation of compliant coding, appropriate reimbursement, and defensible claims. Yet, in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape, even highly skilled clinicians can find it difficult to stay current.
Q: What considerations should coders keep in mind when referring to problem lists for determining the principal diagnosis and proper sequencing of all documented conditions in the inpatient setting?
Trey La Charité, MD, FACP, SFHM, CCS, CCDS, discusses how without some form of a narrative in documentation, hospital coders cannot sequence individual diagnoses. If there is no story provided, records can be rife with opportunity for a recovery auditor or payer to construct an alternative version of what happened during hospital visits, resulting in denials.
Coding purpura and thrombocytopenia is often more straightforward than coders initially expect, as these diagnoses typically require minimal direction from official guidelines. The real challenge lies in correctly interpreting provider documentation and validating the terminology used. Without close attention to clarifying terms, coders risk misclassification or unnecessary queries. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register if you do not have a paid subscription.
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare coding, staying grounded in the fundamentals is not just best practice, it’s a necessity. As regulations shift, payer expectations tighten, and productivity pressures mount, coding professionals must continually revisit the core principles that ensure accuracy, compliance, and integrity in clinical documentation and billing.
