Q: I am a relatively new CDI specialist in a relatively new CDI program. We learned that we should be examining the health record with an eye toward “what bought the bed.” When we raise this concept to our coders, however, they disagreed with the premise, telling us that such a...Read More »
I became a physician because I enjoy taking care of sick people. In today’s environment, however, I am subject to numerous unanticipated burdens that interfere with my continued enjoyment of that privilege. In discussions with my colleagues, I clearly have...Read More »
Thankfully, some of the documentation and coding issues I have been screaming about over the past 10 years have been heard with the transition to ICD-10.Read More »
What is the correct code assignment for a diagnosis of postoperative aspiration pneumonia? ICD-9-CM’s Tabular List under code 997.39 provides the following inclusion terms: “Pneumonia (aspiration) resulting from a procedure.” However, the instructional note under category 997 states, “Use...Read More »
“If ICD- 10-PCS is not necessary, why the debate? Why should we bother assigning codes when we don’t have to?”The ICD-10 system was designed to improve clinical communication via modernization and standardization of codes and descriptions. The ICD-10-PCS side provides additional specificity to...Read More »
In 2008, only 11% of respondents to an ACDIS poll indicated their CDI program either reviewed outpatient records for documentation improvement opportunities or were looking to expand into outpatient areas (8% and 3% respectively).
How has the climate changed? Of the more than 400...Read More »
Genevir O. Del Mundo, CDIP, CCS, CCA (“Apple” to his friends), a CDI specialist at Kindred Hospital, grew up in the Philippines watching his father help people and save lives. He always wanted to be a doctor, too, to follow in his father’s footsteps. Transitioning from one...Read More »
Kathy Wright is an RHIT and CCDS and was an inpatient coder for 23 years before moving into CDI in 2012. Erika Duncan is a nurse who earned her bachelor’s degree and CCDS credential and came to CDI two years ago after a varied career including time in case management, intensive care, emergency...Read More »
