This page addresses follow-up questions and additional information pertinent to our webinar
Malnutrition Coding.
** 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.
Q: Can facilities create a policy that allows coders to pull documentation from a dietician’s note if it is co-signed by the provider?
A: Based on Coding Clinic’s answer in 1Q 2020, page 4, yes. However, Haugen recommends facilities not consider this best practice and require coders pull this information from a provider’s written narrative.
Q: Are there different ASPEN criteria for children?
A: Yes. Pediatric ASPEN criteria are developed for children between the ages of 1 month to 18 years. Over the age of 18, the adult ASPEN criteria are used.
Q: Since documentation of treatment of malnutrition is so important, what do you do if a patient is on palliative care and the family is refusing treatment for malnutrition? Can a diagnosis for severe malnutrition still be documented and reported if there is no treatment?
A: Haugen recommends the physician document in the written narrative the treatment that was recommended as well as the family wishes as to why the treatment was not carried out (i.e. palliative care).
Meet the Presenter: Tommi Mooney, MS, RHIA, CCS
Tommi brings ten years of experience in coding and auditing to the team as a Senior Coding Quality Auditor. Her career began as a Hospital Coding Specialist, where she quickly advanced through various roles, ultimately becoming the Director of Coding over Internal Audits and Education. In each of these positions, Tommi honed her skills in coding, auditing, and compliance. Throughout her career, Tommi has overseen internal audits, developed educational resources for coding professionals, and provided guidance to ensure coding accuracy and compliance across departments. Her leadership and dedication to improving coding quality have made her a key contributor to the team, where she provides audit oversight and coding expertise to support clients.
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