by Barry Libman, MS, RHIA, CDIP, CCS Many people think of coders as those quiet folks reading medical records and turning the patient’s story into data. This is largely true. But it is also true that coders, to be truly effective and to do what their job demands, require professional courage. It takes courage to […]
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by Rebecca Harmon, MPM, RHIA, CCA I spent the first half of my career wringing my hands over bad bosses and wondering which of the angry gods was punishing me THIS time, and why. It took me some time to figure this whole boss thing out. Maybe you can relate! For a long time I […]
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The power of the group is amazing and should not be underestimated. When attempting a CCS, which anyone who has will tell you is a daunting process, it helps to have others going through the same effort at the …
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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 […]
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by Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA More than five years after implementation, we are still seeing coders struggle with ICD-10-PCS coding of inpatient procedures. It is a complex coding system and cannot be mastered without a focused effort. What is needed is more than just understanding definitions and guidelines. It is time to move […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
read more »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) […]
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by Angela Gerbert, BS, CCS, CDIP, CIC, COC, CPC-I The post-COVID-19 world, whenever we finally get there, is likely to be different in ways that are hard to anticipate. Whatever disruption you are now facing, know that most of us, individually and our organizations, will survive. I encourage each of you to make yourself that […]
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by Rose T. Dunn, MBA, RHIA, CPA, CHPS, FACHE, FHFMA At the end of last year, this news may not have caught your attention: Federal Auditor Renews Concerns of Medicare Advantage Gaming Axios, December 12, 2019 “A new federal audit presents more evidence that private Medicare Advantage plans are fudging the data about how sick […]
read more »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 […]
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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 […]
read more »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 […]
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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 […]
read more »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 […]
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by Richard D. Pinson, MD, FACP, CCS While not all hospitals allow coders to assume the CDI role, increasing numbers are especially now as some CDI staff are being redeployed back to patient care in response to COVID-19. Those hospitals that have assembled integrated CDI teams of clinical and non-clinical staff benefit from the skill […]
read more »by Barry Libman, MS, RHIA, CDIP, CCS The ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS code changes for FY 2021 are now in effect and the CPT changes for 2021 are on the horizon. There are new codes and guidelines to apply and implications to be understood and explored. Rather than a solitary activity, mastering the code updates may […]
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by David Zielske, MD, CIRCC, COC, CCVTC, CCC, CCS, RCC Question: Which CPT code would best describe a VSD closure that is not for a congenital VSD, but post MI? Answer: We recommend reporting unlisted code 93799 for ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure of a NON-congenital (post-infarct) VSD. November 30-December 4: ZHealth IR/CV Medical […]
read more »Hear Barry Libman, MS, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, a nationally-recognized authority on coding and reimbursement issues, discuss “ICD-10 Coding Clinic Update (Q3 2020): Plication of Diaphragm” in this free, brief presentation. Listen to Barry’s Coding Clinic Commentary in its entirety. In-depth commentary on selected coding advice and clarifications from recent issues of AHA Coding Clinic — […]
read more »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? “We […]
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