by Stacy Swartz, RHIA, CCS, CPC Coding is not a one-size-fits-all occupation and experienced coders tend to focus their skills in one or more areas: inpatient vs. outpatient, Pro Fee vs. facility, and the vast range of medical specialties and care settings. It is vital to employ coders who are experienced in the type of […]

by Cari A. Greenwood, RHIA, CCS, CPC, CICA Healthcare delivery is not a static enterprise. The development of new procedures and the discovery of new diseases requires the introduction of new codes and sometimes new coding guidelines. The regulatory environment changes in significant and minor ways every year. Our complex reimbursement system, auditors and the […]

by Richard Pinson, MD, FACP, CCS Diagnoses of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is based on two things: Symptoms: acute or subacute ranging from increasing shortness of breath, increased (>20) or decreased (<10) respirations to cyanosis, retractions, accessory muscle use depending on severity and finally respiratory arrest. Blood gas measurement: PaO2 <60 mmHg on room air […]

by Stacy Swartz, RHIA, CCS, CPC, Senior Director of Coding and CDI Solutions, eCatalyst Healthcare Solutions As COVID-19 continues to strengthen its hold across the country, many healthcare organizations have faced yet another challenge: managing a remote coding work force. What can we learn from their experience thus far? Up until COVID-19, the majority of […]

by Cynthia Tang, RHIA, CCS From the very beginning, my business partner, Dr. Richard Pinson, and I have taught hospitals that coding specialists, not just nurses, can and should perform the CDI function. We have always included coders in our training sessions and advised hospitals to consider coders for the CDI role. Just as CDI […]

by Kim Huey, MJ, CHC, CPC, CCS-P, PCS, CPCO, COC I recently received a question from a physician/coder trainer regarding changes to office visit coding for 2021. She asked: I am struggling with the concept of coding an office visit that result in a course of antibiotics, “take for 7-10 days and you will be […]

The following article is drawn from our recent roundtable discussion on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Coding Function. To view the complete roundtable discussion, see The Impact of COVID-19 on the Coding Function: A Roundtable Discussion.   MODERATOR: In closing, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned since the pandemic began?     […]

The following article is drawn from our recent roundtable discussion on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Coding Function. To view the complete roundtable discussion, see The Impact of COVID-19 on the Coding Function: A Roundtable Discussion.   MODERATOR: What are some of the new (and emerging) roles for coders during COVID-19 and beyond? For […]

by Jillian Weingarten, ComforceHealth According to a study released by TheLadders, an online job-matching service, recruiters spend an average of six seconds (!!) reviewing an individual resume. After 12+ years in this industry, I’d like to share some tips and tricks that will help you to format your resume to capture your audience right away. […]

by Chad Coldiron, The Zweig Group The office and the work we do there will undoubtedly change forever due to the impact of the current pandemic. Major events like this can have unforeseen impacts both physically and mentally and we must consider both the employees’ struggles as well as our own. One minute you’re a […]

The following article is drawn from our recent roundtable discussion on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Coding Function. To view the complete roundtable discussion, see The Impact of COVID-19 on the Coding Function: A Roundtable Discussion.   MODERATOR: What about coder credentials—do you think current coding credentials (and the process of obtaining those credentials) […]

Taught by nationally recognized CCS expert Mary Beth York BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS – November 12, 2020 – Libman Education has announced the newest sessions of its intensive Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) training for coders and CDI specialists. Taught by nationally recognized CCS expert Mary Beth York, two courses — CCS Exam Prep: CCS for Hospital Coders […]

by Amy Rodriguez, BAHS, RHIT, CRCR On Nov. 1, 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a provision in the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule that creates major changes to the current CPT code set as it relates to how Evaluation and Management (E/M) services coding is calculated. The new […]

The following article is drawn from our recent roundtable discussion on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Coding Function. To view the complete roundtable discussion, see The Impact of COVID-19 on the Coding Function: A Roundtable Discussion. MODERATOR: In what new areas do you think coders will require additional education?       “We need more […]

by Cari A. Greenwood, RHIA, CCS, CPC, CICA Believe it or not, holding a coding credential has become even more important during this time of disruption in the healthcare industry. As many people face uncertainty in the immediate term about the strength of our economy, healthcare is one industry that continues to be essential. Since […]

The following article is drawn from our recent roundtable discussion on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Coding Function. To view the complete roundtable discussion, see The Impact of COVID-19 on the Coding Function: A Roundtable Discussion. MODERATOR: Have you found it necessary to cross-train coders during COVID-19 to meet changing demands?       […]

by Cari A. Greenwood, RHIA, CCS, CPC, CICA Education Specialist, Libman Education In the coding profession, credentials matter. They signify to employers and peers that you have mastery level coding skills, and that you will adhere to the rigorous ethical standards of our profession. Getting a credential is a significant step on the career path […]