2026 Hospital Payment Update: A Coder’s Guide to MS-DRG Changes

From: $46.00

 

This on-demand webinar was released on September 18, 2025.

The webinar recording will be available until August 30, 2026 for Provider and Corporate purchases. Individuals receive 6-months access from the date of purchase.

Please see the CE Credits Tab for CEU information.

Description

The updates to the inpatient prospective payment system for fiscal year 2026 go into effect on October 1, 2025. Anyone can read the fact sheet to see what the major changes are, but how will you know what the impact is to the frontline coder? This webinar covers the IPPS updates that coders want to know about. From MS-DRG shifts to changes in the CC/MCC list and new technology codes that impact your organization’s bottom line, this is the coder’s guide to IPPS for 2026.

Objectives:

  • Discuss changes to specific MS-DRGs
  • Identify procedures with changing OR or non-OR designation
  • Review updates to the CC/MCC list
  • Identify procedures with new technology add-on payments (NTAP)

Target Audience

  • Facility Inpatient Coders
  • Clinical Documentation Improvement Professionals
  • Billing professionals
  • Coding Compliance Professionals
  • Coding Compliance Managers

Presenter

Kristi Pollard, RHIT, CCS, CPC, CIRCC

Kristi serves as the Director of Coding Quality & Education and brings more than 30 years of experience in the health information and coding industry. In her role, she oversees the development of comprehensive training materials – including web-based courses, instructor-led training, and webinars – while also providing education in ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT. Her expertise extends to conducting DRG and APC audits and leading a wide range of coding quality initiatives. With a deep background in coding education and consulting, Kristi is a nationally recognized speaker and published author on ICD-10, CPT coding, and code-based reimbursement. She has designed and implemented robust inpatient and outpatient training programs, with specialized emphasis on vascular interventional radiology, cardiology, and obstetrics.

CE Credits

AHIMA – Expires on August 20, 2026
This webinar has been approved for 1 continuing education unit for use in fulfilling the continued education requirements of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Granting prior approval from AHIMA does not constitute endorsement of the program content or its program sponsor.

  • Domain: Data Structure, Content, and Information Governance

AAPC – Expires on August 30, 2026
This program has the prior approval of the American Academy for Professional Coders (AAPC) for 1 continuing education hour. Granting of prior approval in no way constitutes endorsement by AAPC of the program content or the program sponsor.

  • Specialty CEUs: COC, CPC, CPC-P, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCPC, CCVTC, CDEI, CDEO, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, CIC, CIMC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPB, CPCD, CPCO, CPEDC, CPMA, CPPM, CPRC, CRC, CRHC, CSFAC, CUC, CVBA, FMC, RCMS

Purchasing Details

Pricing Options Defined

  • Individual Learner: Entitles individual access to the on-demand webinar for 6 months. You will receive an email with your www.HaugenAcademy.com credentials after purchasing. This may land in your spam/junk folder.
  • Provider Organization: The on-demand webinar may be shared with others within your provider organization (hospitals, health systems, or physician groups). You will receive an email from Haugen Webinars with a unique link to share with your team. Webinar recordings are available for the length of the AHIMA-Approved CEU unless otherwise noted.
  • Corporate Organization (Up to 150 Learners): The on-demand webinar may be shared with others within your corporation. You will receive an email from Haugen Webinars with a unique link to share with your team. Webinar recordings are available for the length of the AHIMA-Approved CEU unless otherwise noted. If you have more than 150 learners, please Contact Us for pricing.

Additional Purchasing Details

  • If you require an invoice to proceed with this registration, contact us at 720-502-7690.
  • Visit our FAQ page for technical requirements and instructions to obtain CEUs.
  • Review our Terms of Use for full details on cancellations and refunds.

Webinar Snippet

97 reviews for 2026 Hospital Payment Update: A Coder’s Guide to MS-DRG Changes

4.8
4.8 out of 5 paws (based on 97 reviews)
Top dog!76%
Doggone good!24%
It was OK.0%
It was a bit RUFF.0%
Bad to the bone.0%

 

September 30, 2025

Informative

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Haugen Academy Learner
September 30, 2025

More of “You asked, we answered”

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Haugen Academy Learner
September 26, 2025

The deleted codes were interesting since i use some of those codes frequently.

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Haugen Academy Learner
September 23, 2025

The list of NTAPs is Appreciated! All the information was important and informative but having the list of NTAPs will help us make sure we are capturing all that we should be.

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Haugen Academy Learner
September 19, 2025

Very good reference for upcoming changes

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Haugen Academy Learner
September 18, 2025

Another excellent presentation on difficult material to digest. The organization of the presentation helps to pull it all together.

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Haugen Academy Learner
September 18, 2025

I loved the explanation of DRG and their importance

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Haugen Academy Learner

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