by Cathy A. Farraher, RN, BSN, MBA, CCM, CCDS
When most CDI managers or directors meet up with C-suite executives (the head-honcho administrative staff members whose titles all begin with the word “chief”), they typically arrive armed with the latest data regarding the case mix...Read More »
ACDIS celebrated its 10th birthday last month—not coincidentally the anniversary of CMS DRGs also. “I’ve never hesitated to say that’s partly why we took off,” said ACDIS Director Brian Murphy on the September 27...Read More »
When asked to describe their job, many CDI professionals explain that they help physicians and coders paint an accurate picture of the care provided to patients. But how can CDI programs flip the canvas and dip their brushes to paint their own self-portrait?
By Jocelyn E. Murray, RN, CCDS
What are the similarities and differences between CDI audits and coding compliance audits? Are both necessary? It’s our collective responsibility to provide the insight that defines the two specialties and the critical efforts both bring to the table...Read More »
by Richard Pinson, MD, FACP, CCS, and Cynthia Tang, RHIA, CCS COPD and Pneumonia
The requirement for code J44.0 (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute lower respiratory infection) to be coded first when a patient has pneumonia and COPD has been...Read More »
By Allen Frady, RN-BSN, CCDS, CCS, CRC
On October 1, 845+ codes took effect thanks to the fiscal year 2018 IPPS Final Rule, which was released at the beginning of August. As you review the updates, additions, and deletions in this year’s rule, I wanted to answer some of your...Read More »
In responding to this year's ACDIS membership survey, hundreds of respondents indicated that obtaining physician support for their CDI efforts represented their biggest challenge. So, we're thrilled to have the 2016 CDI Professional of the Year award winner Karen DiMeglio, RN, MS, CPC,...Read More »
No, we don’t mean the common table spice. The Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER) is distributed by TMF Health Quality Institute under contract with CMS and summarizes facility-specific data statistics for Medicare services that may be at risk for improper payments...Read More »
