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Temperatures in the upper 90s and spikes into the low 100s can bring an increased risk of hospitalization for heat-related illnesses, especially in those areas which do not traditionally experience these outside intensities. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , provides guidance for reporting both diagnosis and procedure codes for sun poisoning and heatstroke admissions.
Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , clarifies the featured terms and interventions of Coding Clinic ’s ICD-10-PCS second quarter update so that coders can comprehend and accurately apply procedure codes in specific scenarios.
Reporting aneurysm repairs can appear almost as complex as the procedure itself. However, Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , shows how taking it one character at a time and using the helpful guidelines and descriptors provided within ICD-10-PCS will allow coders to master this accurately and quickly.
CMS recently published the fiscal year 2026 ICD-10-PCS code set and official guidelines. Although CMS made no significant changes to the guidelines, the ICD-10-PCS code set includes 156 new codes, 27 deleted codes, and four new tables.
Reporting aneurysm repairs can appear almost as complex as the procedure itself. However, Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , shows how taking it one character at a time and using the helpful guidelines and descriptors provided within ICD-10-PCS will allow coders to master this accurately and quickly.
Coding for joint replacement procedures requires extra attention to detail, particularly for device and qualifier characters and most importantly for partial replacements. Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , shows how these characters are very specific but give a clear picture of the procedure that was performed for a specific patient.
Coding for joint replacement procedures requires extra attention to detail, particularly for device and qualifier characters and most importantly for partial replacements. Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , shows how these characters are very specific but give a clear picture of the procedure that was performed for a specific patient.
The first quarter publication of Coding Clinic added clarifications for some of the new codes from fiscal year 2025 and a question-and-answer section that discussed complicated coding issues. Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , reviews the advice and guidelines for ICD-10-PCS codes.
CMS recently proposed hundreds of ICD-10-CM code changes in the 2026 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule, including 487 new codes, 38 revised code descriptions, and 28 invalidated codes. The rule also proposes 14 new ICD-10-PCS codes.
With 50 new ICD-10-PCS codes implemented on April 1, Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , thoroughly reviews the codes to help inpatient coders accurately apply the updates.
With 50 new ICD-10-PCS codes implemented on April 1, Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , thoroughly reviews the codes to help inpatient coders accurately apply the updates.
There were 371 new codes added to the October update of the 2025 ICD-10-PCS code set, but Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , narrows her investigation into the new codes for one particular body system within the Medical and Surgical section: Lower Arteries.
Deanne Wilk, MPS, BSN, RN, CCDS, CCDS-O, CDIP, CCS , and Shannon McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CRC, CCDS, CCDS-O , review some of the significant changes to the first quarter of AHA’s 2025 Coding Clinic.
There were 371 new codes added to the October update of the 2025 ICD-10-PCS code set, but Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , narrows her investigation into the new codes for one particular body system within the Medical and Surgical section: Lower Arteries.
CMS recently published an update to the fiscal year 2025 ICD-10-PCS code set, available for discharges occurring from April 1 through September 30, 2025. Although CMS made no changes to the guidelines, the update includes 50 new codes, 12 deleted codes, and two new tables.
CMS implemented the FY 2025 IPPS final rule on October 1, which introduced several updates to New Technology Add-on Payment designations, directly affecting how inpatient services are coded and reimbursed. Follow Judith Kares, JD , as she reviews NTAP eligibility criteria and payment strategies, alternative pathways for approval, final new technologies, and application process changes. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: Video colonoscope was advanced through a patient’s rectum to the cecum where there was normal-looking mucosa throughout. The patient had scattered diverticula in the sigmoid colon and a 6-mm sessile polyp in the proximal rectum that was removed completely by hot biopsy technique. Surgeon documented to await pathology report. How would this operative note be reported in ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS?
Our experts answer questions about coding for controlled puerperium diabetes and endoscopic procedures as well as provide suggestions for referring to prior encounter information in queries.
The new ICD-10-PCS code set for fiscal year 2025, which includes 371 new codes, will be effective October 1, 2024. With highlights from Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , inpatient coders can make sense of each new term before they go into effect.
The new ICD-10-PCS code set for fiscal year 2025, which includes 371 new codes, will be effective October 1, 2024. With highlights from Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , inpatient coders can make sense of each new term before they go into effect.
CMS recently published the fiscal year 2025 ICD-10-PCS code set and guidelines. Although CMS made no changes to the guidelines, the update includes 371 new codes, 61 deleted codes, and three new tables.
Sarah McDonald, CPC , reviews ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding guidelines for the U.S.’ most common orthopedic surgeries: hip and knee replacements. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Sarah McDonald, CPC , examines the ICD-10-CM/PCS coding conventions for symptoms, stages, and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease—a commonly diagnosed digestive disorder in the U.S. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Educating clinical staff on proper documentation of mechanical ventilation can avoid compliance issues and support accurate reimbursement. This article clarifies the complications of reporting mechanical ventilation in ICD-10-PCS.
Sarah McDonald, CPC , explains the spinal fusion process and overviews the process of constructing ICD-10-PCS procedure codes character by character. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Educating clinical staff on proper documentation of mechanical ventilation can avoid compliance issues and support accurate reimbursement. This article clarifies the complications of reporting mechanical ventilation in ICD-10-PCS.
Laurie Prescott, RN, MSN, CCDS, CCDS-O, CDIP, CRC , summarizes guidance from the 2024 first quarterly release of Coding Clinic , including reporting for postoperative complications, non-traumatic kidney injuries, and vertebral artery dissection.
Shannon Oitker, MSN, RN , reviews the nine MS-DRGs for ventilator use, explains how DRGs are designed, and assesses whether hospitals are receiving adequate reimbursement for ventilation services.
CMS will be holding its next ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting March 19-20. The committee will deliberate applications for new ICD-10-PCS and ICD-10-CM code assignments. If approved, the codes will become effective October 1, 2024.
Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , continues her exploration of ICD-10-PCS April updates with added options for intracranial brachytherapy, electroporation, sinus dilation, pedicled omentoplasty, and more. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Shannon Oitker, MSN, RN , reviews the nine MS-DRGs for ventilator use, explains how DRGs are designed, and assesses whether hospitals are receiving adequate reimbursement for ventilation services.
Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , explores the 2024 ICD-10-PCS updates that will become effective April 1. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: A patient who presents with complaints of progressive neck and bilateral arm symptoms is diagnosed with cervical spondylosis—worse at joints C5-C6 and C6-C7. Which ICD-10-CM codes would be reported?
Spinal surgery for hospital coders can be very challenging if they do not know the rules for assigning the correct ICD-10-PCS codes. Nancy Reading, RN, CPC, CPC-P , reviews spinal anatomy and surgical approaches, and offers tips on how to select the most appropriate characters in ICD-10-PCS.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, reviews the clinical definition and types of postpartum hemorrhage, the intrauterine treatment devices used to treat it, and relevant ICD-10-PCS coding. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: How would a coder report a coronary artery bypass graft complicated by ineffective external cardiac device insertion, subsequent removal, and intra-aortic balloon pump placement?
Colder weather is approaching, which brings an increase in respiratory infections. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, COC-I, clarifies the pathogenic causes of pneumonia, specifically those with recent additions to ICD-10-CM, and those with antibiotic resistance. She also reviews how to report treatment methods in ICD-10-PCS.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, reviews the clinical definition and types of postpartum hemorrhage, the intrauterine treatment devices used to treat it, and relevant ICD-10-PCS coding.
Q: A patient’s previously implanted Impella, a small, catheter-based ventricular assist device, was removed and replaced due to an emergency. How would we report this in ICD-10-PCS and which DRG would it lead to?
Gastroparesis is a condition that affects stomach motility. Sarah Gould, CPC , explains how to report the condition and its complications in ICD-10-CM, in addition to treatment methods in ICD-10-PCS. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Laurie Prescott, RN, MSN, CCDS, CCDS-O, CDIP, CRC , summarizes the highlights from the newest installment of Coding Clinic, which includes guidance on reporting pancytopenia, inherent conditions, ORIF, and neurally adjusted ventilatory assist devices.
Building ICD-10-PCS codes for cardiovascular surgery can be tricky given the number of root operations that may apply. Sarah Gould, CPC , reviews cardiac anatomy and ICD-10-PCS guidelines for reporting cardiac insertion and bypass procedures. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
