In ICD-10-CM, to tell the patient’s whole story, coders need to report external cause codes. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I, AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, explains the benefits of these codes and how to report them.
Every once in a while, another facility will send us a case to review and help them code. Here at the Fix ‘Em Up Clinic, we are happy to share our knowledge as we prepare for October 1. In that...
ICD-10 implementation is almost here, but coders are still facing resistance from physicians. W. Jeff Terry, MD, highlights ICD-10 challenges from the physician perspective, while Shannon E. McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC, CCDS, responds from a coder’s point of view.
The expanded code set available in ICD-10-CM will give providers the chance to better tell the story of each patient’s care. Glenn Krauss , RHIA, BBA, CCS, CCS-P, CPUR, CCDS, C-CDI, PCS, FCS, C-CDAM, explains how coders can assist physicians in telling that story .
Kids will soon be heading back to school here in Anytown, which also means the sports teams are holding preseason camps. And some of our local players practice a little too hard. Take Shaun, for...
The absolute best ICD-10 education is completely free, assuming you have an Internet connection. It will tell you everything you need to know about coding in ICD-10. What is this magical, mystical...
Armadillos apparently pose more hazards to your health than just passing on leprosy. A Texas man recently tried to shoot an armadillo three times and ended up being hit by his own bullet . He claims...
Hospitals did not get any ICD-10 relief as part of CMS’ accord with the AMA regarding a specificity grace period . However, they might not need much help, according to the latest Workgroup for...
Coders may need to review the anatomy of the gastrointestinal system and disease processes for gallstones, hemorrhoids, and ulcerative colitis to choose the most specific ICD-10-CM code. Jaci Johnson Kipreos, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, COC, CPC-I, and Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I, explain aspects of anatomy and what coders will need to look for in the documentation.
Organizations have their hands full with ICD-10-CM implementation finally on the horizon. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC, and AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, examines how coding departments can clean up their processes now so they are ready for the new code set.
Bacteria are everywhere. Literally. And you can’t see them or feel them. In fact, trillions of them are living on your skin right now. So not all bacteria are bad. Some, though, can do nasty things...
Physician groups have led much of the resistance against ICD-10 implementation. At its June Delegates meeting, the AMA approved a resolution from W. Jeff Terry, MD, for a two-year grace period to protect physicians from errors and mistakes related to the code set. Terry also authored an AMA resolution to delay ICD-10 in November 2011, which led to postponing implementation until October 1, 2014.
We're less than four months away from the implementation of ICD-10-CM/PCS, and the AHA Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM/PCS is rolling right along with advice for the new code set.
Alex comes in to see Dr. Guts complaining of fatigue and tiredness, as well as some slight abdominal pain. After performing a complete exam and blood tests, Dr. Guts diagnoses Alex with a bleeding...
CMS offered some clarity on what it considers to be a family of codes in ICD-10-CM. You might remember that CMS struck a deal with the American Medical Association (AMA) to get AMA on board with ICD-...
Leprosy cases are surging in Florida, with new cases in the first half of 2015 nearing the average total for an entire year. The potential source of this explosion (to use the term very loosely) of...
Joe comes into the Fix ‘Em Up Clinic to see Dr. Bones for a problem with his knee. Joe tells Dr. Bones that his right knee locks up occasionally and he often has pain in his knee. Joe denies any...
The gastrointestinal system is subject to many diseases and conditions that ICD-10-CM allows coders to report in more detail. Jaci Johnson Kipreos, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, COC, CPC-I, and Annie Boynton, BS, RHIT, CPCO, CCS, CPC, CCS-P, COC, CPC-P, CPC-I, describe the changes for reporting hernias and Crohn’s disease in ICD-10-CM.
Remember those friends and family cell phone plans where you didn’t use minutes if you called people in your circle? You had to pick who you wanted in your group and they had to pick you. It was very...
CMS and the American Medical Association (AMA) may have made peace regarding ICD-10, but it seems some members of Congress didn’t get the memo. Reps. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Tom E. Price, R-Ga...
