Kellie Halsted, MSN/MHA, RN, CCDS, CCM , writes about how her experience as a hospital case manager has given her additional insight into writing clinical validation appeal letters as a CDI specialist.
There is one tell-tale sign that fall is here: the October implementation of the ICD-10 coding updates. Courtney Crozier, MA, RHIA, CCS, CDIP , explains the highlights of the update for fiscal year 2024, including 395 new codes, 25 deletions, 22 revisions, and 131 new headers.
Reporting malnutrition correctly is a constant challenge that faces increasing payer scrutiny. Kate Siemens, RN, CMSRN, CCDS, defines malnutrition and its unique applicability to end-of-life care, documentation tips, and how to report associated conditions in ICD-10-CM. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS recently published an infographic that defines social determinants of health (SDOH), explains the significance of capturing them, and lists which SDOH codes will go into effect October 1.
The 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule received more than 17,000 stakeholder comments. Julie Kyles, CPC , highlights some of the major concerns that commenters expressed, such as requests for more telehealth policy flexibility and community health integration services.
AMA published the 2024 CPT code set with 349 total editorial changes, including 230 additions, 49 deletions, and 70 revisions. The press release announced revisions for immunization/administration sections, E/M clarification, and new Spanish procedure descriptions.
Critical care coding can challenge both new and seasoned coders. Jessica Miller-Dobbs, CPC, CPC-P, CGIC , offers tips and clarification on reporting critical care services in CPT, as well as sample provider documentation for these services.
The U.S. has experienced extreme weather events in recent years, including cataclysmic hurricanes and tornadoes. Terry Tropin, MSHAI, RHIA, CCS-P , explains how coders should use and sequence external cause codes in ICD-10-CM for injuries caused by these storms. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
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.
It can be advantageous for patients and facilities to capture social determinants of health (SDOH) alongside medical conditions. Joscelyn Thomas, RHIT , explains how incorporating screening tools into facilities can help providers and coders promote better health outcomes, reduce disparities, and increase patient engagement.
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.
A Journal of Hospital Medicine study published online in August found that decreases in readmission associated with CMS’ Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP) correlated with an increase in patient mortality for certain conditions.
Providers and coders alike can find NCCI policies challenging to apply. Denise Williams, COC, CHRI , explains the basics of NCCI by defining the initiative, edits, modifiers, and clinical procedure examples.
CMS updated its E/M Services Guide in August, reflecting changes for E/M services that went into effect January 1. The guide includes plain-language explanations of policy changes, but some do not align perfectly with AMA guidance.
The 2024 ICD-10-CM update brings almost 400 code changes, including new codes for sickle-cell retinopathy and orbital muscle entrapment. This article delves into the causes, symptoms, and reporting methods for these two ocular conditions. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS recently proposed to pay for certain currently bundled caregiver training service CPT codes and three new CPT codes that, if finalized, will be established January 1. Review the criteria of defining a caregiver and which caregiver training services apply.
