Use caution when reporting unrelated DRGs
DRGs for procedures unrelated to the principal diagnosis shouldn’t occur frequently. If they do, coding managers should take a closer look at coding compliance efforts to ensure accuracy and avoid...
View ArticleCoding vs. clinical significance: What coders need to know
by Joel Moorhead, MD, PhD, CPCAccording to legend, indigenous peoples predicted the approach of large animals or other humans by placing their ears to the ground. This practice (i.e., keeping one’s ear...
View ArticleDon't let the three-day rule wreak havoc at your facility
By Lisa A. EramoIn a tumultuous sea of coding and billing regulations, the three-day rule poses yet another threat to compliance. What can coders and billers do to stay afloat and ensure accuracy?...
View ArticleContinuing education credits
To receive AAPC and/or AHIMA credits, take the quiz after reading the following articles:Don’t let the three-day rule wreak havoc at your facilityCoding vs. clinical significance: What coders need to...
View ArticleNew on JustCoding Platinum!
A new sample query form in our Coding Sample Policies and Forms section:Sample query form: Altered mental statusAlso on JustCoding Platinum:Did you see this in our Special Reports and News...
View ArticleEditor’s Note
A new and improved e-learning library for JustCoding Platinum subscribers will launch May 29. The new library will include 20 courses-10 focused on inpatient coding topics and 10 focused on outpatient...
View ArticleTake our sepsis survey
Sepsis. Ureosepsis. Severe Sepsis. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Bacteremia. Septicemia.Each of these words carries its own definition, its own clinical indicators, and requires...
View ArticleICD-10 Trainer
Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free, online forum for all matters related to ICD–10:Use ICD-10 to tell a better story about the patientGet to know ICD-10 codes for wrist and hand...
View ArticleFree quiz
Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features questions about ICD-9-CM codes for nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis. (View)
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Mini-poll
What are you planning to do on your summer vacation? Going to a resort or amusement parkHeading out on a trip of more than 100 milesOff to the beachShort day tripsStaycationUndecidedVote hereLast...
View ArticleCoder chat
We have providers that see patients at our local nursing facilities. Does the provider's documentation need to be included in our patient medical records in addition to the nursing facility...
View ArticleTrivia question
What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for a middle meningeal hemorrhage following injury?a. 852.0b. 852.1c. 852.2d. 852.3 Know the answer and want to be featured in the next issue of JustCoding News:...
View ArticleProduct of the week: Technology Innovations in Clinical Documentation...
By comparing and contrasting the different ways that technology can augment the CDI process, the participant will gain an understanding of how the role of the CDI specialist is both influenced and...
View ArticleQ&A: Surgical objects left inside patient
Q: A surgeon’s dictated report for a right hip hemiarthroplasty states the following: Of note, while drilling one of our transosseous suture holes with a 2.0 mm drill bit, the end of the drill bit...
View ArticleHealthcare News: IPPS proposed rule includes few coding changes
Because of the code freeze currently in effect, CMS’ 2014 IPPS proposed rule, released April 26, contains a small number of code and MS-DRG changes.The proposed rule does not include any revisions to...
View ArticleCondition code 44: How coders and billers can help ensure compliance
Although coders and billers don’t play a role in determining whether condition code 44 is appropriate, they certainly ensure correct billing of the code. Coders report condition code 44 only on...
View ArticleCMS allows providers to rebill medical necessity denials to Part B
By Lisa A. Eramo Recovery Auditor (RA) denials and good news never seem to go hand in hand. However, all of that changed when CMS announced in an Administrator’s Ruling published March 13 that it would...
View ArticleA glimpse into the future of the CDI profession
By Melanie Endicott, MBA/HCM, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P, FAHIMA Clinical documentation is the foundation of all aspects of healthcare, including data analysis, research, communication between caregivers,...
View ArticleContinuing education credits
To receive AAPC and/or AHIMA credits, take the quiz after reading the following articles:A glimpse into the future of the CDI profession CMS allows providers to rebill Recovery Auditor medical...
View ArticleNew on JustCoding Platinum!
A new sample form in our Coding Sample Policies and Forms section:Documenting postoperative respiratory failureAlso on JustCoding Platinum:Did you see this in our Special Reports and News?...
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