The success of coding and CDI departments depends on collaboration with multiple entities. Laurie L. Prescott, RN, MSN, CCDS, CCDS-O, CDIP, CRC , illuminates how to promote healthy partnership.
Kathy Dorich, MSN, RN, CCDS, CPHQ , explains two types of DRG reconciliation processes that she has implemented to alleviate conflict between coding and CDI departments.
Verbal conversations with providers regarding reportable conditions and procedures are considered verbal queries. Refresh how they should be memorialized within the record to maintain compliance. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
by Sareem Wani, MD I recently took a personality test and, after answering a series of questions based on various case scenarios, learned that my strengths are in collaboration and education. It took...
Make sure staff who handle audit requests understand when a missing signature should—or should not—trigger an automatic denial of your claims or prior authorization requests. Recent guidance from CMS clarifies how auditors should proceed when a medical record lacks a signature.
Penny Jefferson, MSN, RN, CCDS, CCDS-O, CCS, CDIP, CRC, CHDA, CRCR, CPHQ , and Mercedes K. C. Dullum, MD, FACS, FACC , describe the advantages of creating CDI programs in outpatient settings and how they can decrease gaps in patient care and improve financial management.
Merle Zuel, RN, CCDS , explains how healthcare leaders can improve in their roles by understanding all coding and clinical data available and knowing how to analyze it.
by Jess Fluegel It is a truth universally acknowledged that a CDI department, in possession of a part-time physician advisor who is already stretched too thin, may be in want of provider engagement...
This article reviews malware basics and covers tips that healthcare employees can implement to avoid cyberattacks that could put protected health information (PHI) at risk.
Pressure injuries, which can lead to a patient safety indicator (PSI), require clear documentation and coordination among coding, CDI, and clinical departments. Katherine Siemens, RN, BSN, CMSRN, CCDS , evaluates how poor coordination could result in a PSI being incorrectly reported.
CMS’ fiscal year 2025 IPPS proposed rule and fact sheet, published April 10, includes proposals for a 2.6% payment increase, a new bundled payment program, code updates, and other policy changes.
This article reviews malware basics and covers tips that healthcare employees can implement to avoid cyberattacks that could put protected health information (PHI) at risk.
Ronald Hirsch, MD, FACP, CHCQM, CHRI , and Valerie A. Rinkle, MPA, CHRI , explore common causes of denial, including prior authorization, missing documentation, medical necessity, and EHR formatting.
Kate Siemens, RN, BSN, CMSRN, CCDS , offers tips on how coders and CDI can assess patient safety indicators to improve reporting accuracy and increase quality of care.
The pediatric population is smaller and involves different clinical and nuances, but this often-underdeveloped area of coding can be a source of missed revenue if left uninvestigated.
The lack of interaction with remote work has a variety of impacts. Managers must develop strategies for remote onboarding and training, find different ways to measure productivity, and keep employees engaged.
Trey La Charité, MD, FACP, SFHM, CCS, CCDS, analyzes the challenges that both inpatient and outpatient CDI specialists encounter and offers advice to lessen provider opposition to participating in outpatient CDI.
Many CDI professionals are familiar with the saying that, since CDI is “already in the chart,” they can easily pick up a new review lens. The reality, however, is that each new responsibility can put a damper on staff bandwidth and productivity.
