Q: We recently had a patient admitted for syncope workup. The workups were negative except for incidental findings of acute kidney injury (AKI). The physician documented “AKI likely 2/2 hypovolemia. Treatment focus is to trend creatinine levels and hydration.” Would the AKI or hypovolemia be sequenced as the principal diagnosis?
Cesar M. Limjoco, MD, writes that although different literature has become available on principal diagnosis selection through the years, questions and disputes keep popping up. In this article, he revisits the issue and provides additional insight to code selection for conditions such as acute respiratory failure and congestive heart failure.
Acute heart failure patients in an emergency department's clinical pathway program had a 13.1% lower readmission rate, according to a report published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Adriane Martin, DO, FACOS, CCDS, reviews Coding Clinic guidance published in the first and second quarters of this year as it pertains to coding guidelines, severity of illness, and MS-DRG assignment for the inpatient setting.
As coders mark the third anniversary this October of the U.S. implementation of ICD-10, its newly minted successor is waiting in the wings, nearly ready for adoption.
Developing an outpatient CDI program isn't just about metrics--departments needs to consider how to engage providers and interact with other teams to be truly effective.
It's been more than three years since CMS introduced a subset of modifiers it wants providers to report instead of modifier -59 (distinct procedural service), but they're still optional as barely any new guidance has been released.
CMS recently released updated guidance on billing intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) after an OIG audit found a 100% error rate in billing certain IMRT planning services.
This month we are pleased to introduce Roger Hettinger , RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, COC, CPC, CPCO, CPB, CPMA, CRC, CEDC, CGSC, CHONC, CIMC, CUC, CGIC, CHC, CRCR, Senior Revenue Cycle Advisor for Axea Solutions, Inc. in Cumming, Georgia.
The official version of the fiscal year (FY) 2019 IPPS final rule was recently published in the Federal Register . This rule, which became effective on the first of October, contains key financial information, including certain payment factors, based upon the government’s best estimate at the time of publication.
The verdict is in. CMS’ fiscal year (FY) 2019 IPPS final rule took effect on October 1 and impacts 3,300 hospitals. CMS made changes to several of its inpatient quality programs: Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program, Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program, and Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, in addition to the changes made to ICD-10 CM/PCS codes.
CMS recently released the fiscal year (FY) 2019 IPPS final rule with significant reductions to reporting requirements for quality initiatives, changes to CC/MCC designations, and revisions to various MS-DRGs.
The most recent quarterly update to the influenza virus vaccine code set includes a new HCPCS influenza virus vaccine code approved for use in 2019, according to CMS Transmittal 4127.
Medicare guidelines for reporting arthroscopic shoulder surgeries have changed significantly over the past decade. Review updated guidance and CPT coding for SLAP repairs as well as biceps tenotomy and tenodesis procedures to reduce audit risk. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: I received confusing guidance regarding CPT coding for a segmental spinal fusion with pedicle screws placed at L3 and L4 vertebrae. Would it be appropriate to report CPT code 22612 with add-on code 22614 for this procedure?
Coding leadership can assist the chargemaster team by providing input, preparing appeals, and tracking coding-related denials. Rose T. Dunn, MBA, RHIA, CPA/CGMA, FACHE, FHFMA, CHPS , describes how to effectively work with a team of coders to combat continued denials.
Peggy S. Blue, MPH, CPC, CCS-P, CEMC , reviews the key characteristics of physician visits administered to patients in skilled nursing facilities and E/M coding for these services.
