Inpatient coders are used to being able to code conditions documented as possible, probable, suspected, or rule out, as if they were in fact confirmed. Outpatient coders can’t do that. They need a...
Coders and clinicians seem to speak different languages. CDI specialists often serve as the translators between clinicians and coders, so it's important that all three groups work together.
In this month's issue, we review latest 2014 CPT ® Manual changes, examine how MUEs are determined, take a look at wrist and hand anatomy in preparation for the increased specificity of ICD-10, and answer your coding questions.
ICD-10-CM root operations excision and resection are sometimes hard to differentiate. ICD-10-PCS defines excision (B) as cutting out or off, without replacement, a portion of a body part. Resection (T) is almost identical, but involves cutting out or off the entire body part.
You all know that I have been unhappy with some code definitions in ICD-9 and have ucceeded in getting some changes made in ICD-9 and ICD-10-CM code sets.
CMS has been making it clear over the years that packaging would become a larger and larger part of OPPS, and in calendar year (CY) 2014 CMS made good on this.
Coders are aware that ICD-10-CM will allow much more specificity than ICD-9-CM, and that is very evident in the section covering injuries to the wrist, hand, and fingers (S60–S69).
In this month’s issue, we explain how to differentiate between ICD-10-PCS root operations excision and resection, review when and how to query physicians, and provide a basic introduction to APR-DRGs. You’ll also find a Q&A with Sherine Koshy, MHA, RHIA, CCS, corporate director of HIM coding for University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia. Robert S. Gold, MD, highlights some additional areas of concern in ICD-10-CM in this month’s Clinically Speaking column.
When an NCCI edit occurs on a claim, providers can go directly to CMS’ website and download the latest edits to pinpoint why the edit occurred and what codes may be conflicting.
Brush up on your knowledge of cardiovascular system anatomy as you learn how to code cardiovascular diseases in ICD-10-CM during the live, 90-minute webcast Reduce the Fear of ICD-10-CM...
I really want the t-shirt that says, “I only do what the voices in my head tell me” and its companion shirt, “The voices in my head don’t like you.” Sadly too many people I know might believe it...
CMS will conduct full end-to-end testing—from submission to remittance advice—with a select sample of providers in July. CMS first announced the decision in MLN Matters® SE1409 and provided additional details during the February 20 webcast, CMS ICD-10 Readiness.
Coders may need to have a conversation with physicians about how changes in ICD-10-CM could require additional documentation for mental disorders due to a known physiological condition. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I , AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, compares coding for these conditions in ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM.
Heather Taillon, RHIA, Cheryl Collins, BS, RN , and Andrea Clark, RHIA, CCS, CPC-H , explain the basic rules regarding principal diagnosis selection in general and for neoplasms in particular in ICD-9-CM.
When it comes to coding malnutrition, coders need to see very specific information in the physician documentation. James S. Kennedy, MD, CCS, William E. Haik, MD, FCCP, CDIP , and Mindy Hamilton, RD, LD, review the clinical factors for malnutrition and how to assign the correct ICD-9-CM codes.
CMS reversed course earlier this week and announced it will conduct end-to-end ICD-10 training with a sample of providers. Previously, CMS had stated it would not conduct any end-to-end testing...
