In order for coders to report ICD-9-CM procedure code 96.72 (continuous invasive mechanical ventilation for 96 consecutive hours or more), the provider must document that the patient received more than 96 hours of continuous ventilation. A recent OIG report found that 96% of claims incorrectly included code 96.72 between 2009 and 2011.
People are creatures of habit. Some of them are good, some not so good. Coders, too, are creatures of habit. We know certain codes without having to look them up. (Anyone know the code for...
The implementation of ICD-10-CM will bring more specificity to coding, which will mean more data for facilities. Michael Gallagher, MD, MBA, MPH, and Andrea Clark, RHIA, CCS, CPC-H, look at how to handle that data and its benefits for providers and patients.
Jeanne L. Plouffe, CPC, CGSC , and Jennifer Avery, CCS, CPC-H, CPC, CPC-I , review procedures performed on the gallbladder and how to determine the correct ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes.
Like the skin, dermatology coding has several layers. Betty Hovey, CPC, CPC-H, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CPCD, says that coders need to pay attention to the type of procedure, site, size, and more in order to accurately report each encounter.
With less than a year until ICD-10 implementation, many facilities have yet to even begin training. A recent Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists survey shows how far along facilities are and their concerns as October 1, 2014, nears.
By this time next year, we will be using ICD-10 codes. Where are you in your transition? What have you accomplished? What’s left on the to-do list? Here’s a better question: will you be ready? It...
CMS released its FY 2014 IPPS final rule in August, and with it comes a whole slew of changes for inpatient hospitals. Set aside a good amount of time to scroll through the 2,000-plus page document. Yes, that's right: There are more than 2,000 pages of information to absorb before the rule goes into effect on October 1, 2013.
Despite its apparently straightforward definition in the CPT ® Manual , modifier -59 (distinct procedural service) can be deceptively difficult to append properly.
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.
Our experts answer questions about NCCI edits for injections, modifier -25, modifier -59, laminotomy with insertion of Coflex distraction device, billing mammogram for needle placement, and auditing electronic orders.
ICD codes are the ultimate source of information for the healthcare industry. Coders in every setting-inpatient, outpatient, and physician services-report the exact same ICD codes to describe a patient's condition.
CMS added modifier -AO (provider declined alt payment method) and new HCPCS codes to the I/OCE as part of the October 2013 quarterly update found in Transmittal 2763.
Does the patient really have sepsis? Experts say coders often struggle with this question because physicians don't sufficiently document clinical indicators.
CMS released its FY 2014 IPPS final rule in August, and with it comes a whole slew of changes for inpatient hospitals. Set aside a good amount of time to scroll through the 2,000-plus page document. Yes, that's right: There are more than 2,000 pages of information to absorb before the rule goes into effect on October 1, 2013.
In this month’s issue, we provide tips for wrapping your hands around data analytics before the transition to ICD-10-CM, review the October updates to the I/OCE, and discuss the correct use of modifier -59. In addition, our experts answer your coding questions.
