CMS has released the FY 2019 ICD-10-PCS code updates and accompanying coding guidelines. The number of ICD-10-PCS codes for 2019 will total 78,881, in comparison to the 78,705 available for FY 2018.
Allen Frady, RN-BSN, CCDS, CCS, CRC, reviews proposed changes applicable to coding and CDI teams within the fiscal year (FY) 2019 IPPS proposed rule including HIV disease, ARDS, and CC/MCC changes.
A common question that coders often ask is when to report a secondary diagnosis. In part two of this two-part series, Gloryanne Bryant, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCDS , looks at the chapter-specific coding guidelines related to secondary diagnosis coding found in the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
Adrienne Commeree, CPC, CPMA, CCS, CEMC, CPIP, writes that when reporting Alzheimer’s, understanding the disease and its symptoms is important for coders, as entries in the ICD-10-CM alphabetic index can be confusing. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Nearly one-third of the world’s population is overweight or obese, including an estimated 160 million Americans, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation . These statistics are alarming, especially considering that obesity is linked to many other conditions such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Cancer is the second most common form of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. To accurately report CPT and ICD-10-CM codes for skin and breast cancer, coders need a thorough understanding of symptoms of malignancies and treatments used to prevent them from spreading. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Despite considerable opposition from hospital systems, on June 1, the Health Resources and Services Administration finalized its decision to delay the implementation of a 340B rule on drug ceiling prices and civil monetary penalties for manufacturers.
Hospital systems need to be watchful for CMS proposals that will impact payment for drugs and drug therapies in 2019 and beyond. Jugna Shah, MPH, reviews the potential implications of recent CMS actions, such as the publication of the 2019 IPPS proposed rule and the overhaul of 340B drug payment program.
Cognitive impairment ranges from mild to severe and can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday functions such as talking, remembering, and comprehending information. Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA , reviews CPT and ICD-10-CM coding, and care planning for patients living with cognitive impairment.
To help bring JustCoding members together and let them learn more about their colleagues, JustCoding created a monthly member spotlight to appear in upcoming issues. The JustCoding team loves hearing members’ stories, including major triumphs and challenges, and sharing them with the larger JustCoding membership.
Inpatient coding audits are performed for different purposes by individuals within and outside of the hospital. Coding audits can be categorized in various ways as shown below, but these attributes are not exclusive: Audits will have several characteristics at a time.
Predicting CMS policies can be a foolhardy exercise, especially with a relatively new administration and frequent turnover at the highest levels of HHS over the last year. But it’s safe to say drug payment policy has been and will continue to be a focus of the current regime.
Healthcare providers are often confused about what a commercial or managed care payer would want in order to approve the claim. Much of this confusion comes from the timing of requirements to ensure reimbursement.
Coders are on the front lines of claim submission and in a good position to foster compliance. Learn strategies to prevent fraud and abuse and encourage accurate documentation and billing within your outpatient facility. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
