** The coding information and guidance are valid at the time of publishing. Learners are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.
Uniting HIM and IT
Publication: Journal of AHIMA
AS HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS move toward value-based models, health information management (HIM) and information technology (IT) must work together to strengthen relationships while promoting population health, accountable care, and information governance (IG) initiatives. | Read More.
Use Modifier 62 for Surgeon Duos Using Same Code, but Make Sure You Can Justify It
Publication: Part B News
Question: When two surgeons are working a patient, when is modifier 62 (Two surgeons) appropriate and when is modifier 80 (Assistant surgeon) appropriate?
Answer: If you’re going to bill 62, the procedure must “really need the individual skills of two surgeons to even perform — a complex nature, like certain spine or heart transplant procedures,” says Corina Marquardt, CPC, CPMA, senior consultant with the Haugen Consulting Group in Denver.
CMS helps you figure out whether these modifiers are appropriate by listing co-surgery and assistant-at-surgery status indicators in the relative value file of the Medicare physician fee schedule. | Read More.
ICD-10-CM Mental Health Code Changes
Publication: ICD10 Monitor
One of the hardest jobs for coders is to translate physician terminology into ICD-10 coding terminology. This has been especially challenging with codes related to mental and behavioral health. In some cases during the year following ICD-10 implementation , there was no way to convert DSM-5 terminology used by psychiatrists and psychologists to ICD-10-CM. Lack of understanding of the differences between the code sets led to misinterpretation and frustration among coders and mental health professionals. | Read More.
2016 Articles Featuring HCG
A year in ICD-10: Healthcare professionals weigh in
CD-10 did not have the negative impact many industry stakeholders predicted. But coders’ frenzied preparation for the Oct. 1, 2015 compliance date did have a silver lining…
Small providers may struggle as ICD-10 ‘grace period’ ends
With Saturday marking the one-year anniversary of the implementation of ICD-10 codes, healthcare organizations must now focus on some new requirements that went into effect on October 1.
Spinal Fusion Procedures
Publication: ICD10 Monitor
Of all the challenges associated with the transition to ICD-10-PCS, coding spinal fusion procedures is by far the most difficult to tackle, in this author’s opinion. Even after training, many coders still struggle with the complexities of coding these procedures. This article focuses on the importance of thoroughly reviewing operative reports and offers valuable insights and practical strategies for ensuring accuracy, improving efficiency, and avoiding costly errors. | Read More.
Hospital Offers Incentives for Identifying Incorrect Patient Status
Publication: HCPro
It’s no secret that hospitals struggle with assigning the most appropriate status for patients, and this challenge is compounded by CMS’ frequent changes to its regulations and guidance. To combat incorrect patient status assignments, one hospital has developed a system that rewards employees for speaking up when they suspect a patient’s status is incorrect. | Read More.
Investments in Patient Access Staff Education Pay Strong Dividends
Publication: Revenue Cycle Strategist
Patient registration is the gateway to quality care and data integrity for hospitals and health systems. Patient access staff are the catalyst for the financial health of every account, essentially “teeing up” the future success of each claim. Because of the influence these personnel have on positive patient experiences and strong revenue cycles, many hospital leaders are working to manage the following patient access department challenges. | Read More.
Bridging HIM’s Disconnect with IT
Consider the following fictional, and perhaps all-too-familiar, conversation between health information management (HIM) department staff and health information technology (IT) staff:
Chief Information Officer (CIO) to HIM Director: “Were you aware that last month we implemented a documentation system for the cardiologists?”
IT Analyst to HIM Director: “This clinical application was not designed to print documents.”HIM Director to CIO: “The requirements for electronic signature are stated in the CMS regulations, the medical bylaws, and hospital policies and procedures.” | Read More.
Implementing a New Training Strategy with Patient Access
Publication: NAHAM Journal
How well is your staff prepared to welcome patients into your organization? Remember the Tom Cruise movie when Renee Zellweger says, “You had me at hello”? Does your staff have your patients at hello? Hear what happened as we implemented our Patient Access Training Program. | Read More.
Five Coder Training Tips
With the initial shock of the latest ICD-10 delay behind us, now is the time to leverage it as opportunity to ensure that coders are fully prepared for the transition. Coder training and readiness is a critical element of ICD-10 success. The additional time will give coders the ability to apply their skills through practice and become proficient in ICD-10. Consider the following tips to keep training and education on track.
