CMS announced on February 13 that it created a new HCPCS code U0001 to report laboratory testing for the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Medicare’s claims processing system will be able to accept this code on April 1 for dates of service on or after February 4.
CMS recently announced that it will cover acupuncture therapy sessions for Medicare patients with chronic low back pain. Read about how this change will impact physician coding and billing for acupuncture services.
More than 34 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and one in five don’t know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this article, Lori-Lynne Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC , writes about E/M coding for diabetes management and HCPCS Level II coding for external insulin infusion pumps.
In 2017, roughly 48 million incident cases of sepsis were recorded worldwide and 11 million sepsis-related deaths were reported, according to a study published in The Lancet . According to the study, this represents 19.7% of all global deaths.
While the premise for quality programs is largely the same across the board, there are many programs and measures that fall under the “quality” banner. From readmissions to present on admission (POA) and patient safety indicators (PSI), CDI programs have a myriad of potential options in terms of record review focus.
Julian Everett, RN, BSN, CDIP , says that 2020 should be the year when more CDI programs and inpatient coding teams ponder the idea of expanding into reviewing obstetrics. In this article, Everett details key areas to consider when starting these reviews, including hiring staff that have experience in obstetrics, conducting case sample assessments, and providing education on coding guidelines.
Sarah Nehring, CCS, CCDS , writes that because of the complexity and frequency of ischemic stroke admissions, inpatient coders should review clinical criteria and ICD-10-CM reporting regularly for this diagnosis to ensure accurate coding and reimbursement. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
As with any new clinical documentation integrity (CDI) initiative, there are many possible starting points for outpatient CDI. Review advice from healthcare professionals at Trinity Health on how to successfully implement an outpatient CDI program.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published an ICD-10-CM index and tabular addenda with reporting criteria for new ICD-10-CM code U07.0 (vaping-related disorders). The agency also updated its MS-DRG grouper software package to accommodate the new code.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 30 million people in the U.S. have diabetes mellitus and 25% don’t know they have it. Lori-Lynne Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC, writes about characteristics of the diabetes and ICD-10-CM coding for the disease.
Nationwide studies show increases in rates of alcohol-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations over the past decade. Review ICD-10-CM documentation and reporting for alcohol abuse and related complications. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, making up almost 25% of all cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. In this article, Shannon McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CRC, CCDS, CCDS-O , reviews ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding for common types of cancer. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS recently published Special Edition MLN Matters article 20004 regarding changes to new technology add-on payments (NTAP) under the IPPS that are meant to increase access to innovative antibiotics for hospital inpatients.
Trey La Charité, MD, FACP, SFHM, CCS, CCDS , writes about conflicting documentation and how coders and clinical documentation integrity specialists can resolve inconsistencies in provider documentation to prevent claim denials.
The ICD-10-PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting were updated for 2020 to include guidelines for coding brachytherapy performed in the inpatient setting. Sarah Nehring, CCS, CCDS , details these changes and how they will impact ICD-10-PCS reporting for permanent and temporary brachytherapy.
