A diagnosis of cancer becomes a pre-existing condition that will follow a patient for the rest of their life, but clinical records do not always provide the level of detail required to work within the framework set forward in the coding rules when it comes to reporting active neoplasms from personal history. Nancy Reading, BS, CPC, CPC-P, CPC-I, explores ICD-10-CM guidelines for such neoplasm scenarios.
Correctly coding an aneurysm depends on the type and location, the specific vessels involved, and the presence or absence of associated complications such as ruptures. Each of these elements directly impacts code assignment, making detailed clinical documentation essential to ensure the conditions are accurately represented in the medical record. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register if you do not have a paid subscription.
Heart arrhythmias are disorders of cardiac rhythm that occur when the heart’s electrical impulses do not function properly, resulting in rhythms that are too fast, too slow, or irregular. For coders, a strong understanding of arrhythmia types, applicable ICD-10-CM coding considerations, and key provider documentation requirements are needed to support accurate, compliant coding and appropriate HCC capture. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register if you do not have a paid subscription.
Coding purpura and thrombocytopenia is often more straightforward than coders initially expect, as these diagnoses typically require minimal direction from official guidelines. The real challenge lies in correctly interpreting provider documentation and validating the terminology used. Without close attention to clarifying terms, coders risk misclassification or unnecessary queries. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register if you do not have a paid subscription.
Laurie L. Prescott, RN, MSN, CCDS, CCDS-O, CDIP, CRC, provides a summary of the changes to the SOFA assessments and corresponding scoring now that JAMA Network Open recently published the consensus statement Rational and Methodological Approach Underlying the Development of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA)-2 Score. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register if you do not have a paid subscription.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which encompasses emphysema and bronchitis, are two of the most prevalent and debilitating respiratory conditions. Understanding these diseases and their pathophysiology is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and coding, particularly when the conditions overlap. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register if you do not have a paid subscription.
Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , delves into the 2026 ICD-10-PCS updates that include complicated bypass, restriction, and transfer procedures, which previously could not be specifically coded. Also included are some new devices that require their own code.
Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P, reviews the third quarter publication of Coding Clinic , which added clarifications for complicated coding procedures that may require more than one code when performed together, depending on the objective of each procedure.
There are 116 new ICD-10-CM codes available for chronic non-pressure skin ulcers, added for FY 2026. Nancy Reading, BS, CPC, CPC-P, CPC-I, explores these new codes and how they were added in response to a growing problem identified as xylazine-induced skin ulcers.
Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , delves into the 2026 ICD-10-PCS updates that include complicated bypass, restriction, and transfer procedures, which previously could not be specifically coded. Also included are some new devices that require their own code.
Beginning October 1, 2025, there will be 116 new ICD-10-CM codes available for chronic non-pressure skin ulcers, added for FY 2026. Nancy Reading, BS, CPC, CPC-P, CPC-I , explores these new codes and how they were added in response to a growing problem identified as xylazine-induced skin ulcers.
Respiratory failure is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the respiratory system is unable to maintain adequate gas exchange. Accurate coding of this condition ensures that healthcare providers can effectively communicate the severity of the condition, track patient outcomes, and avoid misclassification. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register if you do not have a paid subscription.
Cirrhosis of the liver is categorized into distinct types that reflect different patterns of liver injury and disease progression, including hepatic fibrosis and hepatic sclerosis. Proper identification of these forms is critical for clinical accuracy and coding compliance.
Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , outlines changes to the ICD-10-PCS for fiscal year 2026, which were made primarily in the codes for the cardiovascular system, joints and bones, and nervous system. Some of these changes were in the Medical and Surgical section but others were in the New Technology and Extracorporeal or Systemic Assistance and Performance sections.
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.
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.
Alba Kuqi, MD, MSHIM, CDIP, CCS, CCDS, CRCR, CICA, CSMC, RHIA, CCM , walks through the evolution of sepsis definitions that reflect the growing sophistication in our understanding of how the body responds to infection. Understanding the history not only helps contextualize definition variations in provider documentation but also has important implications for coding and reimbursement.
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.
