Author: DeVoe, Megan

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: June 2017

The Impella® device (2.5 and 5.0) provides percutaneous external ventricular support for high-risk patients who cannot undergo traditional open cardiovascular procedures in the inpatient hospital setting. Like intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) that have been used for decades, these de....

Author: Barta, Ann

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: October 2009

One of ICD-10-PCS’s goals is to ensure a complete picture of a patient’s procedure. Completeness means that there is a unique code for all substantially different procedures, including the same procedure performed using a different approach.

All ICD-10-PCS codes are seven....

Author: DeVault, Kathryn

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: June 2016

The implementation of ICD-10-PCS has created new challenges in coding surgical procedures. While coding professionals have always been expected to read and interpret all surgical documentation, ICD-10-PCS has increased the level of understanding necessary for accurate code assignment.

Author: Becker, Joanne

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: February 2003

Sometimes starting small can mean big results. A few months ago, I joined Iowa’s regional HIPAA Strategic National Implementation Process (SNIP) workgroup. The goal of local and regional SNIP workgroups is to create as much collaboration as possible to ensure compliance by all covered ent....

Author: Endicott, Melanie

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: April 2014

There are two major challenges currently plaguing the coder workforce. The first is new graduates are finding it difficult to land jobs due to a lack of experience. Second, healthcare organizations are struggling to recruit experienced coders to fill vacancies.


Recruiting....

Author: Hefti, Erik ; Blanco, Javier G

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: January 2016

The “personalized medicine” paradigm is at the forefront of discussions about the future of healthcare, and a wealth of new data concerning how human genetic variation contributes to drug response has the potential to change the practice of medicine. The promise of treating pat....

Author: Clack, Crystal

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: November 2015

Every medical practice should have preventive measures in place to avoid costly coding and billing audits, errors, and subsequent delays in payment. Incorrectly coded claims, missing charges on a patient encounter, and other mistakes can take a substantial bite out of both practice and ph....

Author: Davies, Sharon

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: September 2016

Place an order at almost any fast food chain and you can expect to hear the cashier ask, “Do you want fries with that?” From fries to soft drinks to apple pie desserts, extras abound at any given restaurant. When working on the coding for physician visits, it’s important to keep all the p....

Author: Leary, Renee; D'Amato, Cheryl

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: November 2005

The final Medicare DRG changes for fiscal year (FY) 2006, which were published in the August 12, 2005, Federal Register, include 16 new DRGs, the deletion of 10 existing DRGs, and numerous changes to DRG assignments of current diagnosis and procedure codes. These DRG changes, along with other....

Author: Foley, Margaret M.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: July 2015

Prior to the October 1, 2015 implementation of ICD-10-CM/PCS, every hospital must examine how the new code set will impact MS-DRG reimbursement. A recent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) analysis indicates the overall effect of the transition to ICD-10 on hospital reimburs....