Q&A: Where to find CC/MCC designations

Q: How do you know when a condition has a complication comorbidity (CC) or major CC (MCC) designation?

A: Initially, you’ll have to refer to the current fiscal year CC and MCC lists which are published as part of the Inpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule by CMS, typically the first week in August. CMS lists CC/MCCs by codes, numerically, so every year I take CMS’ lists and reorganize them alphabetically, by condition, so non-coders will have an easier time finding what they need.

The new, FY 2012, CC and MCC lists (alphabetical) have been uploaded to the ACDIS web site in the Forms & Tools Library under “Policies, Procedures, Regulations, and Job Descriptions.” You must be an ACDIS member to access this link.  I have also uploaded a document showing the new CC and MCC diagnoses as well as the deleted/changed CC/MCC conditions in the same location.

Over time, you may consider developing your own “short list” of CC and MCC conditions to use for reference. After reviewing charts for several months, you will probably memorize the conditions you see most frequently, or if you are unit-based, consider developing lists for the types of patients you see: cardiac, respiratory, neuro, ortho, etc.

Editor's note: This answer was provided by Lynne Spryszak, RN, CCDS, CPC. At the time of this article's original release, she was an independent HIM consultant based in Roselle, IL. Her areas of expertise include clinical documentation and coding compliance, quality improvement, physician education, leadership and program development.