Mechanical ventilation plays a critical role in supporting patients who are struggling with respiration due to illness, injury, or complications associated with surgical procedures. By maintaining oxygenation and ventilation while the underlying condition is being treated or resolved, this intervention can dramatically increase the survival rates for critically ill patients. Follow Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I, as she breaks down medical necessity requirements, mechanical ventilation types, and relevant ICD-10-PCS codes.
Even though seborrheic keratoses are benign and not contagious, their appearance can sometimes resemble melanoma, a potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer. Shontia Leon-Guerrero, CPC, CEDC, CEMC, CPC-I Educator, explains why understanding the differences between these conditions is important for recognizing when further medical evaluation may be necessary, as well as for proper coding.
At the public ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee Meeting held September 15–16, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discussed 39 proposals involving diagnosis code topics. Discover some of the requests being considered for implementation on April 1, 2027.
Ensure your team is aware of the latest key updates to the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System that went into effect on October 1, 2026, which includes changes to codes for surgical procedures, skin substitute products, and drugs, biologicals, and radiopharmaceuticals. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
CMS is planning major reimbursement shifts for outpatient hospital services, according to the 2027 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule.