Use of external cause ICD-10 codes is not mandatory, CMS clarified in a recent release, unless otherwise mandated by state-based or payer-based mandates. Essentially, if the facility/provider does not...Read More »
The Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule put on display by CMS on July 8. In it, CMS proposes significant changes to the ambulatory payment classifications (APC) packaging system and visit codes to further bundle and consolidate...Read More »
Q: During a recent ACDIS Quarterly Conference Call a coder expressed discomfort regarding a nephrologist’s diagnosis of acute renal failure that did not meet RIFLE...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 »
Three out of four Recovery Auditors (RAs) list medical necessity of cardiovascular procedures as their top issue, according to CMS data published in May 2012. Medical necessity of minor surgery or other treatment billed as an inpatient stay is the top issue for the fourth RA.
A large number of hospitals across the country have some version of a CDI program in place. With ICD-10 implementation on our heels, it is recommended by AHIMA that all hospitals have a “mature” CDI program in place by October 1, 2014.
