ICD-10-CM/PCS incorporates laterality, acuity, anatomical specificity, and a slew of additional combination and complication codes. Who will submit queries when this information is missing in a medical record? Will coders or CDI specialists take on this role? Perhaps it might be a combination of...Read More »
Earlier this month, CMS released a quick tip sheet “Communicating with your Payers about ICD-10.” In it, the agency listed several questions facilities can use to connect with various payers to ensure readiness for the transition slated for October 1, 2014. Questions include:
ICD-9 guidelines indicate that coders should not report routine or expected postoperative pain that occurs immediately after surgery. Differentiating between postoperative pain and pain that occurs during the postoperative period is important, says Kathy DeVault, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P,...Read More »
A clear understanding of the definition of principal diagnosis and the factors that play into principal diagnosis selection is extremely important, although oftentimes confusing. The definition of principal diagnosis is the diagnosis that is established after study to be the chief reason...Read More »
