Bill Wagner, CHPS, CPCO , unpacks findings from a survey conducted by KIWI-TEK, a medical coding company in Indianapolis, that asked 157 coders how the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted their finances, workflow, and career prospects.
Review digestive anatomy and ICD-10-CM coding for common diseases of the digestive tract including diverticulitis, cholecystitis, and abdominal adhesions. Also look at new codes to be added to Chapter 11: Disease of the Digestive System of the ICD-10-CM manual on October 1. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: Would it be appropriate to use family psychotherapy CPT codes 90846-90849 to report therapy for the benefit of one person that involves input from family members?
Q: We have patients being admitted for COVID-19 and most of them have a laundry list of various manifestations and complications. Do all manifestations and complications need to be reported in ICD-10-CM?
On July 30 CMS announced the addition of 12 new ICD-10-PCS codes to describe the Introduction or Transfusion of therapeutics for treating patients with COVID-19. These new codes became effective August 1.
Heart disease is a broad category, but for this article Julian Everett, RN, BSN, CDIP , takes a look at ICD-10-CM reporting for myocardial infarctions (MI). It is essential to understand what defines an MI, current quality initiatives for MIs, and documentation and coding requirements for this diagnosis. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Shannon McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, CRC, CCDS, CCDS-O, writes that it’s important for inpatient coders to acquaint themselves with any underlying conditions related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to ensure accurate reporting, reimbursement, and data gathering.
This article details CDI quality review processes from various hospitals, some of which zero in on patient safety indicator and mortality cases to improve their facility’s severity of illness and rate of mortality scores.
In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, CMS has expanded patient access to telehealth services, allowing beneficiaries to receive a wide range of services without having to visit a healthcare facility.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which had not previously been identified in humans, is the strain that was discovered in 2019. It causes novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and is responsible for the current global pandemic.
EHRs have fundamentally changed the healthcare industry. The wealth of data they’ve generated has been a boon to research and population health—and has also helped payers use sophisticated data analytics to drive denials.
As the U.S. slowly tries to recover from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the country might not ever be the same. States have been trying to reopen to regain their local economy, but in April, the U.S. unemployment rate was at the highest it’s ever been since the Great Depression.
Judith L. Kares, JD, writes about the unique coverage, billing, and payment rules that apply to these blood products and related services under Part B.
HIM directors’ and managers’ salaries have largely held steady, but the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is making itself felt. Learn how your salary compares to your peers’ and what you can do to improve your earning power in the future.
Physicians can be a bit prickly at times. While this statement intentionally downplays the behavior of (hopefully) only a few doctors, I believe that most physicians are amenable to CDI concepts. While attempting to effect change in physician documentation patterns, I’ve learned many lessons from my medical staff and from other creative CDI colleagues.
CPT® coding for respiratory procedures can be challenging, given the structural complexity of the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Refresh your knowledge of respiratory anatomy and CPT reporting of angiographies, laryngoscopies, and endotracheal intubations. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Cathy Farraher Nakhoul, RN, BSN, MBA, CCM, CCDS , describes simple actions you can take to show appreciation for providers and make education unobtrusive during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.
Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) reported that several outpatient claims did not meet medical necessity requirements for hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy for diabetic wounds of the lower extremities, according to the July 2020 Medicare Quarterly Provider Compliance Newsletter .
Valerie Rinkle, MPA, CHRI , breaks down updated CMS guidance for reporting virtual clinic visits and other telehealth services rendered at on- and excepted off-campus provider-based departments.
Joel Moorhead, MD, PhD, CPC , writes that certain clinical indicators provide strong support for a diagnosis of acute-on-chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) in adults. Because of this, it’s important for inpatient coders to familiarize themselves with baselines and clinical indicators in order to ensure accurate reporting.
To deal with the rising rate of infection and increased hospital admissions for extraordinarily sick patients due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), CDI teams have had to act quickly by adapting to remote work, modifying CDI practices, and more.
Q: We have a patient who gave birth while admitted for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). How should this be reported and sequenced in ICD-10-CM and which MS-DRG would this be assigned to?
Sarah Nehring, CCS, CCDS , says to ensure ICD-10-PCS coding accuracy and appropriate MS-DRG assignment, inpatient coders must understand the device being inserted and how to apply the coding conventions and guidelines for pacemaker-related procedure coding. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
According to a recent audit by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG), Ohio State University Hospital received millions in overpayments during an audit period due to errors in coding, MS-DRG assignment, and billing.
Coders must apply modifiers to CPT codes for select services rendered during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency to ensure that providers are paid in full for documented work. This article details reporting of telehealth modifiers -95, -G0, and -GQ, and emergency modifiers -CR and -CS. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Q: A child presents to the ED with a closed fracture of his left hand. The physician performs a two-view hand x-ray that shows a small fracture. The physician reduces the fracture and performs a one-view x-ray to ensure alignment. Which CPT® codes and modifiers would be used to report the physician’s services?
The American Medical Association (AMA) recently announced a new CPT® code for reporting antigen testing performed on patients suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The new code is intended to improve reporting of antigen tests using an immunofluorescent or immunochromatographic technique for detection of COVID-19.
Coding managers: Take steps to effectively prepare staff for the transition to the new E/M guidelines, scheduled to take effect January 1. Review advice from coding experts on updating patient forms, medical record software, and rethinking your workflow to prepare staff for the changes to come.
Recently published CMS guidance clarifies billing requirements for services rendered via telecommunications technology during the public health emergency. Valerie Rinkle, MPA, CHRI , breaks down the updated guidance as it applies to outpatient services provided at alternative care sites such as patient homes.
Adrienne Commeree, CPC, CPMA, CCS, CEMC, CPIP, reviews Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM manual, Diseases of the Digestive System, as attention must be paid to the coding conventions and general coding guidelines when reviewing the manual for correct code assignment. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Dawn Valdez RN, LNC, CCDS, reviews MS-DRG and code assignment for COVID-19-related pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome (PIMS), as well as common findings and treatments for the condition.
Q: We have a patient that was admitted with sepsis due to COVID-19 who also has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). How should we report this in ICD-10-CM, and which MS-DRG would this be assigned to?
Cheryl Manchenton, RN, BSN, CCDS, CPHM, writes that when it comes it reporting novel coronavirus (COVID-19), our understanding of it and its sequelae/manifestations is continually evolving. There is one “manifestation” of COVID-19 that is of interest for experimental treatment: cytokines.
The ICD-10-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee recently released the fiscal year (FY) 2021 ICD-10-CM code set, which includes 490 new, 58 deleted, and 47 revised ICD-10-CM codes. Along with updates to the Tabular index, these changes include new codes for reporting chronic kidney disease and body mass index.
Physicians and facilities use the same codes to report E/M levels for ED services, but follow different rules. Outpatient coders must be able to assign E/M codes for both physicians’ work and resources utilized by the facility during emergency visits.
Learn how revenue cycle professionals have managed the constant change and monitored for potential problem areas brought on by the public health emergency.
It’s been nearly three years since HCPro’s last survey dedicated to query practices . Since querying is a constant and continuous aspect of CDI work, a 16-question survey focused on physician queries was recently conducted. Because of the survey’s limited length, it concentrated primarily on productivity and compliance concerns.
Abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord can influence all body systems. Therefore, it is not surprising that diagnosis codes for neurologic disorders are widespread throughout the ICD-10-CM manual.
CMS recently issued a major update to frequently asked questions (FAQ) on COVID-19 fee-for-service billing issues. The bulk of the new FAQs concerns hospitals and the ability to invoke various waivers in order to deliver services to patients in their homes using telecommunications technologies.
The American Hospital Association recently published a Coding Clinic Advisor FAQ regarding ICD-10-CM coding for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This article takes a closer look at the main topics addressed in the FAQ, including ICD-10-CM coding for COVID-19 antibody testing, virus signs and symptoms, and comorbidities.
Alba Kuqi, MD, CICA, CCS, CDIP, CCDS, CRCR, CSMC , gives guidance to CDI teams working on clinical validation, denials prevention, and appeals processes to help ensure proper reimbursement for their hospitals.
