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Insights & Education

Coding Tip of the Month – February 2020

By Natalie Sartori / February 11, 2020

On Dec. 9, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published additional guidance regarding e-cigarette/vaping associated lung injury (EVALI). The new code is U07.0 (Vaping-related disorder). The CDC consulted with the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding this addition and the code became effective Sept. 24, 2019.     Even though the code is available… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – February 2020

Medical Coding

UASI Analysis of the OIG Work Plan February 2020

By Natalie Sartori / February 1, 2020
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By: Natalie Sartori M.Ed., RHIA, CCS This white paper presents an analysis of new and ongoing initiatives under the OIG Work Plan as of February 2020.[1] The paper focuses on initiatives related to HIM coding and documentation requirements and is not intended to review each and every active work plan item. Overlapping active work plan… Read More »UASI Analysis of the OIG Work Plan February 2020

Coding Tip of the Month – January 2020

By Natalie Sartori / January 14, 2020

Coding Tip:  Adverse Effect vs Poisoning It is sometimes difficult to understand which column to use when looking at the Table of Drugs and Chemicals. It may seem to be an adverse effect when a patient presents with dizziness and confusion after ingesting Valium but understanding the difference between an adverse effect and poisoning will… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – January 2020

Coding Tip of the Month – December 2019

By Natalie Sartori / December 12, 2019

Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator The PCS updates for October 1st, 2019 included a new device character “F Subcutaneous Defibrillator Lead” in several tables in the Subcutaneous Tissue and Fascia body system. The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) is an established therapy for the prevention of death from ventricular arrhythmia. Existing conventional ICDs rely on… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – December 2019

UASI Solutions

Single-Path Coding Tip

By Staff / November 22, 2019

Are you ready to take your coding to the next level? What is single-path coding? It is a coding process where the coder codes both diagnoses and procedures for professional fee services and facility services at the same time using single-path coding (dual coding). It is performed by one coder who has the skill, knowledge,… Read More »Single-Path Coding Tip

Removal of Sternal Wires Following CABG

By Natalie Sartori / November 20, 2019

For facilities performing CABG and other sternotomy procedures, readmission due to problems associated with sternal wires is just one type of complication that can occur post-operatively. The types of complications that can occur due to sternal wires include persistent pain, infection displacement, sternal dehiscence, and fractured wires. Most of these complications will require removal of the… Read More »Removal of Sternal Wires Following CABG

UASI Solutions

UASI Training for FY2020 MS-DRG Updates

By Staff / November 13, 2019

The annual updates to the ICD-10 and MS-DRG systems have been finalized, effective October 1. The ICD-10 and MS-DRG updates reflect the final Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) rule for the fiscal year 2020. You can see the details on IPPS here. Highlights of the MS-DRG changes include: Reassignment of 4 ICD-10-PCS codes for HCT procedures… Read More »UASI Training for FY2020 MS-DRG Updates

Coding Tip of the Month – October 2019

By Natalie Sartori / October 25, 2019

CKD, Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus: The Third Quarter 2019 Coding Clinic provided additional explanation and interpretation  in regard to assuming a cause and affect effect relationship between CKD,  hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Although previous advice regarding CKD, hypertension and diabetes provided in Fourth Quarter 2018  was not mentioned in the Third Quarter 2019 advice comparing… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – October 2019

UASI Training for FY2020 ICD-10-PCS Updates

By Staff / September 19, 2019

The annual updates to the ICD-10 and MS-DRG systems have been finalized and will be effective October 1. The ICD-10 and MS-DRG updates reflect the final Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) rule for the fiscal year 2020. You can see the details on IPPS here. Other highlights of the ICD-10-PCS changes include: 734 new codes,… Read More »UASI Training for FY2020 ICD-10-PCS Updates

UASI Solutions

Ten Tips for Writing Effective Appeal Letters

By Staff / September 18, 2019

1. Review every denial to determine the validity of an appeal. If the denial is valid, do not appeal. However, appeal every case where there is documentation to support original coding. 2. Determine the nature of the denial (e.g. clinical validation and/or coding issue) and seek the relevant clinical and/or coding expertise to write the… Read More »Ten Tips for Writing Effective Appeal Letters