It’s been more than two weeks since ICD-10 became the official code set and the sky hasn’t fallen. Despite claims that from the AMA and other physician groups that ICD-10 was a “looming disaster” that...Read More »
In 2004, the Coordination and Maintenance Committee created a definition of sepsis that became the basis of ICD-9-CM’s Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and was used in a number of AHA’s Coding Clinics. That definition included...Read More »
Q: Our physicians frequently document ‘meets sepsis criteria.’ Is this a bad habit forming? If the patient is septic, shouldn’t the physician state sepsis due to, or just sepsis? I worry that if the patient has a few vital signs off the physicians are documenting sepsis...Read More »
ICD-10-CM/PCS incorporates laterality, acuity, anatomical specificity, and a slew of additional combination and complication codes. Who will submit queries when this information is missing in a medical record? Will coders or CDI specialists take on this role? Perhaps it might be a combination of...Read More »
Earlier this month, CMS released a quick tip sheet “Communicating with your Payers about ICD-10.” In it, the agency listed several questions facilities can use to connect with various payers to ensure readiness for the transition slated for October 1, 2014. Questions include:
ICD-9 guidelines indicate that coders should not report routine or expected postoperative pain that occurs immediately after surgery. Differentiating between postoperative pain and pain that occurs during the postoperative period is important, says Kathy DeVault, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P,...Read More »