The gap between clinical reality and coding terminology can be addressed by empowering coders to use clinical judgment. Merle Zuel, RN, CCDS , discusses when it is appropriate for coders to interpret provider documentation and use their clinical judgment to code it in a certain way.
Pain treatment procedures for trigger point injections have a history of high denial rates. Julia Kyles, CPC , offers insight on what coders and physicians can do to improve reporting of these procedures.
Shockwave intravascular lithotripsy treats areas of severely calcified coronary arteries. Jane Arbogast-Schappell, CCS, CPC, CCC, CIRCC, explains the procedure and how to report it in HCPCS with coding examples.
CMS released the fiscal year (FY) 2024 IPPS proposed rule on April 10. The document contains proposals for 395 new, 12 revised, and 25 invalidated ICD-10-CM codes.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of cardiac rhythm disorder in the U.S. This article defines the condition, reviews relevant ICD-10-CM coding guidelines, and provides documentation and reporting guidance from experts. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: Which CPT code would be reported for an emergency department (ED) visit for an asthma patient experiencing exacerbated symptoms and released with a prescription for treatment?
Kerri Swart, RN, CCRN, CCDS, writes about how a previously 100%on-site CDI program shifted to remote work and maintained productivity and education standards.
What may be considered a simple task, such as confirming present on admission status, can be complicated by discrepancies between coding and quality reporting criteria. Kate Siemens, RN, CMSRN, CCDS , outlines the ways in which coding and quality metrics do not align.
Healthcare providers know that denials are not a matter of if, but when. One way to prevent and manage denials is by looking for opportunities to involve other departments.
Our experts answer questions about reporting E/M codes for ED patients with chronic illnesses and choosing the right CPT code for a laparoscopic prostatectomy.
Coding audits are often a source of irritation in small and large practices alike. This article covers common misconceptions about the auditing process and offers tips from experts on how to correct them.
The 2023 update to the CPT manual had almost every chapter undergoing some form of change. In this article, Aimee L. Wilcox, CPMA, CCS-P, CST, MA, MT, delves into some of the major changes to E/M coding and considerations for documentation integrity.
Spinal fusions can effectively eliminate pain and restore stability to the spine. Learn how to apply ICD-10-PCS codes and guidelines for spinal fusions and related procedures.
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias have higher readmission rates than the general geriatric population, according to a retrospective cohort study published in JAMA Network Open .
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is used ubiquitously in medical records. Nancy Reading, RN, CPC , breaks down CHF types and pathophysiology, and discusses ICD-10-CM coding for the condition.
Approximately 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Review documentation requirements and ICD-10-CM coding for severe sepsis. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS proposes 395 new, 12 revised, and 25 invalidated codes for implementation in October, according to the 2024 IPPS proposed rule. Read up on the changes which, if finalized, will have an impact on reimbursement and documentation.
The American Medical Association’s (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel recently approved a new vaccine administration code for COVID-19. It also released a summary of panel actions, which includes accepted and deleted code and guideline revisions for July 2023, January 2024, and January 2025.
