The latest quarterly National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) update includes a reversal of procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits that involve E/M codes along with new medically unlikely edits (MUE) for a series of COVID-19 vaccination codes. Review the changes, which went into effect on October 1.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , unpacks ICD-10-CM coding for uncommon obstetric (OB) complications and symptoms and CPT coding for surgical management of miscarriages.
ICD-10-CM coding for neuropathies can be challenging given the complexity of these diagnoses and associated complications. Demystify documentation requirements and ICD-10-CM coding for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, migraine headaches, and paralysis. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
The October 2021 quarterly update to the OPPS announces new HCPCS codes for endoscopic submucosal dissection and central venous catheterization. It also introduces new HCPCS drug codes and revisions to the list of those qualifying for pass-through payment status.
Q: A wound care patient with a 25-sq-cm chronic foot ulcer presents with a new cellulitic rash, which is treated using topical medication. During the visit, the physician also surgically removes dead tissue from the ulcer. How would these services be reported in CPT?
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , breaks down CPT coding for diagnostic services performed during the second and third trimesters, and provides an overview of an obstetric (OB) hospitalist's role in caring for high-risk maternity patients.
Several CPT modifiers have similar definitions, which can make distinguishing between them challenging. Review guidance for the appropriate application of modifier -51 versus -59 and discontinued service modifiers -52, -53, -73, and -74.
ICD-10-CM coding for neuropathies can be challenging given the complexity of these diagnoses and associated complications. Demystify documentation requirements and ICD-10-CM coding for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, migraine headaches, and paralysis.
Documentation is an integral part of a patient’s healthcare encounter. Improper or imprecise documentation may create an inaccurate picture of what truly occurred during a patient’s hospital stay or outpatient visit. How do CDI and inpatient professionals capture the most accurate picture possible? The answer may lie in solving a more complex question: How do we encourage and expand critical thinking?
You may wonder why an article about the coding of Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCCs) in the outpatient wound care setting is appearing in an inpatient periodical. When I first approached this topic, I focused on the outpatient wound care setting. But the more I thought about it, I realized this topic is pertinent for inpatient coders.
Since the start of the pandemic, HIM, CDI, and coding professionals have focused on understanding acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as a manifestation of COVID-19.
Q: Our coding team has been having trouble reporting post-operative complications due to vague physician documentation. What language might you suggest that physicians use to clarify that the complication is indeed due to surgery?
CMS recently released the FY 2022 IPPS final rule, which finalized updates to quality programs including the Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program, the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, and the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program.
Sarah Nehring, RHIT, CCS, CCDS, writes that in light of the fiscal year 2022 ICD-10-CM update to encephalopathy, now is a good time for inpatient coders to review common forms of encephalopathy and its reporting. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS generally took the path of least resistance and cushioned the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the fiscal year (FY) 2022 IPPS final rule. Effective October 1, the final rule covers payment rate updates, new technology add-on payments, and changes to MS-DRG rate setting and groupings.
It’s not unusual for CDI and inpatient coding teams to cite physician education and engagement as one of their top struggles in the field. In this article, read how the CDI team at Avera Health System turned to their query data to craft a focused education program and meet their physicians on the same page.
Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , writes about endocrine anatomy and physiology as well as ICD-10-CM/CPT coding for thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and pineal irregularities.
Several CPT modifiers have similar definitions, which can make distinguishing between them challenging. Review guidance for the appropriate application of modifier -51 versus -59 and discontinued service modifiers -52, -53, -73, and -74. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
