September 1, 2010

• Code expansion on claim forms introduces challenges for coders 

• Review query formats and retention processes to ensure compliance 

• Don’t fall into these avoidable V code traps 

• HealthcareNews: 5010 transaction standard testing to begin in January 

• Q&A: Appropriate use of inpatient consultation codes 

August 18, 2010

• Start your ICD-10-CM training by assessing your coders' preparedness 

• Prepare for RAC audits by reviewing neoplasm coding guidelines 

• Share documentation advice with physicians to show how coder speak is often a different language 

• Healthcare News: CGI posts 18 medical necessity issues that CMS has approved for RAC review 

• Q&A: Coding for an ileus after abdominal surgery 

August 4, 2010

• Make sure ICD-10 implementation plan adheres to OIG compliance guidance 

• Prepare for RAC audits by taking a closer look at mechanical ventilation 

• Switch gears and take note of similarities between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM 

• Healthcare News: CMS proceeds with documentation 2.9% payment cut in FY 2011 IPPS final rule 

• Q&A: Coding Clinic vs. coding guidelines: Which takes precedence? 

July 21, 2010

• Analyze ICD-10 implementation timeline and identify tasks for each year 

• Don’t let problematic coding advice lead you astray 

• Evaluate transcription and consider your options in light of recent technological advances 

• Healthcare News: CMS issues special MLN Matters article addressing provider vulnerabilities identified in RAC demonstration 

• Q&A: Correct billing for pre-admission services 

July 7, 2010

• Overcome challenges in selecting principal diagnosis when coding for neoplasm treatments 

• Code with an analytic eye when multiple conditions meet principal diagnosis criteria 

• Include clinical details when posing queries about congestive heart failure 

• Healthcare News: Hospitals face difficult decisions until CMS clarifies three-day rule requirements 

• Q&A: What procedure code should coders report for a reconstruction polydactyly? 

June 23, 2010

• AAPC Coder of the Year urges coders to help each other and make learning a priority 

• Don't let improper discharge disposition codes fly under the radar at your facility 

• Learn to code for robotic-assisted surgery, as new technologies become more commonplace 

• Healthcare News: NCHS issues conversion table for new ICD-9-CM codes 

• Q&A: Coding when diagnosis documentation includes 'and' 

June 9, 2010

• Should there be a code freeze prior to ICD-10? 

• Coding for insertion of an interspinous process decompressive device 

• Changes coming for HIM in wake of healthcare reform 

• Healthcare News: CMS issues supplemental proposed rule to comply with the Affordable Care Act 

• Q&A: Determining the principal diagnosis for hernia with bowel obstruction 

May 26, 2010

• Understand nuances of reporting inpatient-only procedures 

• Take note of proposed new and revised ICD-9-CM codes for FY 2011 

• Cardiovascular bundled DRG payments: Healthcare reform’s ACE in the hole 

• Healthcare News: CMS reduces timely filing limit to 12 months 

• Q&A: Coding for a stasis ulcer 

May 12, 2010

• If you're looking into additional EHR technologies, consider tips from one early adopter 

• Understand what codes to assign to report hospitalist services 

• Communicate with physicians to query effectively 

• Healthcare News: AHIMA issues guidance for CDI programs 

• Q&A: Reporting modifier -AI for hospice and palliative care 

April 28, 2010

• Become familiar with structure, organization, and unique features of ICD-10-CM 

• Five tips for coding postoperative or post-traumatic infections with OR procedures 

• Consider published clinical references when appealing denials of coding for serious conditions 

• FY 2011 IPPS proposed rule announces 0.1% decrease in average inpatient payment 

• Q&A: Coding for an ED patient with orthostatic hypotension and a history of hypertension 

April 14, 2010

• Assess each individual's needs to understand how to effectively motivate your coding team 

• Reap unexpected benefits by centralizing your HIM department 

• Coding conundrums: Let’s clear the air about complications and septicemia 

• Healthcare News: CMS to host nationwide RAC call April 28 

• Q&A: Reporting services of hospitalists who provide medical clearance 

March 31, 2010

• HIM, CDI programs require 'TEAM' effort 

• Look for breakdowns in process and education to reduce modifier mistakes 

• Audit wound debridement MS-DRGs before your RAC does 

• Healthcare News: CMS updates guidance on signature requirements 

• Q&A: Coding for comparative and contrasting diagnoses 

March 17, 2010

• Understand circulatory system anatomy to prepare for ICD-10-CM/PCS conversion 

• Avoid incorrectly applying Coding Clinic guidance 

• Heal the divide between HIM and CDI 

• Healthcare News: HHS issues proposed rule for EHR certification programs 

• Q&A: Coding for a urinary tract infection versus urinary symptoms 

March 3, 2010

• Ensure strong appeals for IRF denials by documenting eight coverage criteria 

• Think twice before assigning codes for surgical complications 

• Correctly code for obstetric/maternity services provided during various stages of delivery 

• Healthcare News: CMS posts HIPAA version 5010 fact sheets and checklists 

• Q&A: Coding for abdominal pain versus abdominal sprain 

February 17, 2010

• Brush up on sequencing as RAC complex reviews get under way 

• Insufficient documentation and anatomy-based coding distinctions challenge anesthesia coders 

• Make sense of the multitude of auditor requests for medical record documentation 

• Healthcare News: CMS accreditation requirements for diagnostic imaging apply only to physician fee schedule services 

• Q&A: Assessing physician documentation for diastolic heart failure 

February 3, 2010

• Understand ICD-9-CM coding for descriptive terms and nonspecific findings 

• Tackle the tasks necessary to execute ICD-10 transition 

• Read colostomy, ileostomy documentation to identify separately reportable procedures 

• Healthcare News: CMS issues Transmittal to address improper payment issues in OIG reports 

• Q&A: Coding for sclerotherapy of vulvar varicosities 

January 20, 2010

• Include specific departments when forming a RAC team 

• Understand potential pitfalls when codes misrepresent patient acuity and severity 

• Manage information beyond the EHR 

• Healthcare News: CMS issues revised transmittal addressing MUEs 

• Q&A: Crafting a query that doesn’t include leading statements 

January 6, 2010

• Know when to report uncertain diagnoses 

• New E codes require detailed documentation 

• Understanding and coding for critical care services 

• Healthcare News: CMS transmittal provides guidance on consultation coding changes 

• Q&A: Coding for sepsis when other conditions are present