Q:If a patient is admitted with both pneumonia and COPD, does pneumonia need to be coded before the COPD exacerbation? We have been coding COPD exacerbation first based on the advice given in AHA Coding Clinic, Third...Read More »
Q:We’ve encountered audit takebacks and denials from a certain payer who removed codes and procedures that result in lower DRGs. Do you have any advice for fighting or preventing these types of denials?Read More »
Q: Our coders often select the principal diagnosis based on how invasive the testing is. For example, a patient comes in with vertigo and hematemesis. For the vertigo, the physician orders a brain CT, IV medications, and an ear, nose, and throat consult. The patient is diagnosed...Read More »
Q:If the patient comes in with a high blood alcohol level and the provider documents that number in their note, do they also need to specifically write “patient with intoxication?”Read More »
I love the show MythBusters, even though there are times I just can’t believe their conclusions. For example, I raised my kids believing the infamous five-second rule, and they seemed to have survived quite well...Read More »
