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By Justin Bariso, Principal, EQ Applied Reprinted with Permission I almost killed the perfect vacation. A couple of years ago, I was enjoying a wonderful trip with my family to the Italian coast. It was perfect: 10 days of good food, great sun, and beautiful beaches. Then, I caught a bad cold. I considered staying […]

by Rebecca Harmon, MPM, RHIA, CCA Popular inspirational teachers often remind audiences that when they have the choice to be RIGHT or KIND, they should always choose kindness. This is not new counsel. Wisdom tales across time and cultures have highlighted the importance of kindness. Recently I came across a research study that showed a […]

by David Zielske, MD, CIRCC, COC, CCVTC, CCC, CCS, RCC Question: I read where even though no catheter used CT and MR angiograms are considered catheter based. If a patient has a CT angiogram at 800 and it shows Active contrast extravasation in the pyelocalyceal system in the midpole of the LEFT kidney. Later that […]

by Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA The FY 2022 changes to Guideline B4.1c make me extremely concerned about data collection for coding of vascular procedures. Since its addition to the Guidelines for FY 2018, Guideline B4.1c has read “If a procedure is performed on a continuous section of a tubular body part, code the […]

By Kay Piper, RHIA, CDIP, CCS This is the third of a 3-part series on my research on terms that organizations accept as reasonable phrases for uncertain diagnoses in absence of official advice from either Coding Clinic or Official Guidelines for Coding. In Part 1 of this series we reviewed what we know for sure–the […]

by Angela Lima, BS, CCS, CDIP, COC, CIC, AAPC-Approved Instructor The formula for building a successful coding team is straightforward: hire qualified coders, provide them access to continuing education to keep their skills sharp and matched to your requirements, and build strong and trusting relationships between coders, auditors, educators, providers, and supportive leaders. The first […]

By Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA The FY2022 ICD-10-CM update contains new codes related to 35 different topics. Some of the new codes describe less common diagnoses but two new codes in particular could be used far more often than others. The update contains several codes that I have been hoping for over the […]

by Angela Lima, BS, CCS, CDIP, COC, CIC, AAPC-Approved Instructor What a difference a year makes. While last year saw furloughs and even layoffs of skilled coding staff, hospitals and outsource coding service providers are now searching far and wide to find and hire staff to fill the demand for inpatient and outpatient coding positions. […]

by Cari A. Greenwood, RHIA, CCS, CPC, CICA In the past year AHIMA revised their requirements for candidates to be eligible to sit for the CCS examination. While AHIMA still recommends that a candidate meet one or more qualifications from a robust list of academic preparation, coding experience, and/or other professional credentials, it is no […]

By Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting FY 2022 have arrived and bring us 30 changes and updates, with many being significant. Coders are advised to review and understand the changes to the guidelines and be ready to apply them for discharges starting October 1, 2021. What […]

If your career goal is to work as a hospital coder you probably hear a lot about coding credentials. And you may be thinking, “What’s the big deal? Are they really that important?  Are they really worth the time and energy to pursue?” First, let’s note what a credential is: it is an authentication (or […]

By Kay Piper, RHIA, CDIP, CCS In the absence of official advice from either AHA Coding Clinic or Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, I am researching which terms organizations accept as reasonable phrases to document uncertain diagnoses. In Part 1 of this series we reviewed what we know for sure–the Inpatient and Outpatient ICD-10-CM […]

by Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA The ICD-10-PCS code changes for FY 2022 include 15 “New Technology Substance” additions or changes reflecting the continued advancement in highly specific and tailored medicine to treat conditions. Understanding how these drugs work and are administered is essential for coders who wish to accurately and completely capture these […]

By Justin Bariso, Principal, EQ Applied Reprinted with Permission Years ago, I was watching an interview with comedian Craig Ferguson, when he gave some very sage advice: There are three things you must always ask yourself before you say anything. Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said by me? Does […]

By Rose T. Dunn, MBA, RHIA, CPA, FACHE, FHFMA In the risk adjustment model used by Medicare Advantage and other insurers, ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are mapped to the Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) and the associated coefficients (weights assigned based on residency, payer coverage, etc.) are used to calculate the level of health plan reimbursement for […]

by David Zielske, MD, CIRCC, COC, CCVTC, CCC, CCS, RCC Question: Patient has AF and atrial flut­ter. After completion of success­ful PVI, the physician performs a typical atrial flutter ablation. Three-dimensional mapping and conventional catheter mapping were performed using this abla­tion catheter and the left atrial coronary sinus decapolar cath­eter. Multiple radiofrequency lesions were administered, […]

by Kay Piper, RHIA, CDIP, CCS As an Inpatient Coder or Clinical Documentation Specialist (CDS), do you, like me, feel relief that ICD-10-CM Guidelines direct to code an uncertain diagnosis documented at discharge as confirmed? You can probably recite the uncertain terms listed in Guideline II.H Selection of Principal Diagnosis and Guideline III.C Reporting Additional […]

by Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA Coding is important. It is how we track and quantify the health of individuals and our nation’s population as a whole. It is used to measure and improve the quality of the services our healthcare organizations provide. It becomes the data in the shared repository of health information […]

by Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA October 1 will be here before you know it. Your coders are likely deep into the ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS code updates. I know I am biased since I write the yearly CM and PCS updates for Libman Education, but I think a comprehensive and in-depth update course that […]