Author: Vlahos, Nikos F.; Zeisset, Ann M.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: May 2003

Coding professionals routinely code abdominal or pelvic adhesions. Recent advances in treatment and a newly approved ICD-9-CM procedure code, however, bring the topic to the forefront. Is your knowledge current?

This article will explain what pelvic adhesions are, the surgical techn....

Author: Cooper, Steve

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: July 2004

Recent legislation included in both the Benefits Improvement and Protection Act (BIPA) and the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 has affected the content and implementation processes for Medicare coverage determinations. This column reviews differenc....

Author: Cook, Jane; D'Amato, Cheryl; Garrett, Gail S.; Ruhnau-Gee, Becky; Hyde, Linda A.; Novak, Natalie

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: June 2009

Present on admission indicators, hospital-acquired conditions, serious reportable events, and “wrong” surgical events are each hot topics. However, they also can be a hot topic together, because a number of these reporting requirements are interrelated. HIM professionals must under....

Author: Huff, Garry L.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: November 2003

Diabetes mellitus represents a group of disorders that are characterized by hyperglycemia. The clinical and ICD-9-CM classification of diabetes mellitus have evolved as understanding of insulin physiology has expanded. This article will explain diabetes mellitus and its ICD-9-CM classification....

Author: Mahoney, Robert J.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: March 2005

Last issue’s article presented some ways that DRG criteria redefine well-established clinical entities such as respiratory failure and sepsis. This article will discuss two other incompatibilities between DRG criteria and clinical practice: the clinical distinctions required by the DRG s....

Author: Mahoney, Robert J.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: February 2005

A major frustration among coding professionals, particularly in the inpatient setting, is the difficulty in translating physician documentation into diagnostic related group (DRG) data. Some hospitals have attempted to improve their coding effectiveness by establishing time-consuming physician....

Author: Rihanek, Theresa

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

Publication Date: June 2014

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has received considerable attention by the media recently, especially bringing attention to the prevalence of TBI in sports-related activities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “A TBI is a bump, blow or jolt to the head o....

Author: Giannangelo, Kathy

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

Publication Date: June 2007

Every profession has its own body of knowledge. This specialized knowledge leads the profession to create a language of its own, also.

The HIM profession has a distinct language and body of knowledge. Through them HIM professionals deliver a unique service to the healthcare industry.....

Author: Smith, Gail I.; Bronnert, June

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: July 2010

The coding world is not immune to technology advancements. Computer-assisted coding (CAC) technology is changing how the coding process is accomplished across all healthcare settings. CAC technology continues to integrate into a coding professional's daily life. This article focuses on the too....

Author: Endicott, Melanie

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

Publication Date: July 2016

The clinical documentation improvement (CDI) profession is flourishing as more organizations see the wide range of benefits a robust CDI program has to offer. The benefits of a CDI program include complete and accurate clinical documentation that supports correct reimbursement, proper repo....