Striving for the correct DRG assignment on the first pass should be every coder’s goal. This is not simple, and a close look reveals that the complexity of coding rules and the quality of documentation in facilities sometimes make...Read More »
Low hemoglobin and the need for erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) indicated an increased risk of mortality for children on dialysis, according to a study in the Journal...Read More »
Nearly 30% of respondents to a recent ACDIS poll indicated that “only God or the government can tell” whether ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation date will hold fast to its current October 1, 2014 perch, with somewhat good reason....Read More »
Q:Is it okay to code a diagnosis if the physician documents two diagnoses using the phrase “versus” between them? For example, the patient arrives with abdominal pain and the physician orders labs and other tests but they all come back normal. In the discharge note, the...Read More »
Clinical and HIM teams in healthcare organizations are increasingly strained by administrative burdens that compromise both patient care and financial outcomes. These challenges stem from fragmented technology, a shortage of skilled professionals, and complex authorization and documentation...Read More »
Q:Could you please explain unrelated surgical procedure DRGs? For example, a patient with a principal diagnosis of pneumonia whose surgical procedure transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), MS-DRG 168. Also can you explain how we can differentiate between...Read More »
A diabetic patient is admitted with gangrene. The physician does not specifically link the diabetes and the gangrene, but alsodoes not document any other potential cause of the gangrene. Should you code both conditions?
In ICD-9-CM, coders can assume a cause-and-effect...Read More »
