Articles for October 25, 2012

CDI Strategies - Volume 6, Issue 22

News: AHA supports bill to amend healthcare auditing programs

October 25, 2012
News

A bill, introduced October 16, aims to curtail the proliferation of healthcare audits and medical requests and improve results of Medicare audit programs. Introduced to the House by Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO) and Adam...Read More »
CDI Strategies - Volume 6, Issue 22

News: Settlement could expand Medicare benefits

October 25, 2012
News, Quality & Regulatory

A recent proposed settlement agreement could expand Medicare benefits to the chronically ill and require updates to the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, according to a release from The Center for Medicare Advocacy Inc...Read More »
CDI Strategies - Volume 6, Issue 22

News: Reductions in surgical complications cost hospitals

October 25, 2012
News, Quality & Regulatory

Hospitals stand to lose about $1.2 million in annual reimbursement revenue for each 1% drop in its surgical complication rates, according to a recent study published in the October edition of ...Read More »
CDI Strategies - Volume 6, Issue 22

Tip: White Paper available on principal diagnosis selection

October 25, 2012
ACDIS Guidance, Clinical & Coding

A clear understanding of the definition of principal diagnosis and the factors that play into principal diagnosis selection is extremely important, although oftentimes confusing. The definition of principal diagnosis is the diagnosis that is established after study to be the chief reason...Read More »
CDI Strategies - Volume 6, Issue 22

Q&A: Should cystic fibrosis always be first-listed diagnosis

October 25, 2012
Ask ACDIS

Q: I have heard that there is an AHA Coding Clinic for ICD-9-CM, which states that the exacerbation of cystic fibrosis (CF) should always be listed first. Should we be querying for the specific pulmonary exacerbation of the cystic fibrosis?Read More »