UASI Analysis of the OIG Work Plan February 2020
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…
Coding Tip of the Month – January 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…
Coding Tip of the Month – December 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…
Single-Path Coding Tip
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,…
Removal of Sternal Wires Following CABG
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…
UASI Training for FY2020 MS-DRG Updates
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…
Coding Tip of the Month – October 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…
UASI Training for FY2020 ICD-10-PCS Updates
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,…
Ten Tips for Writing Effective Appeal Letters
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…
UASI Training for FY2020 ICD-10-CM Updates
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 fiscal year 2020. You can see the details on IPPS here. Other highlights of the ICD-10-CM changes, include: There are 273…
Coding Tip of the Month – August 2019
Deep Tissue Injury The ICD-10-CM updates effective October 1, 2019 will contain 273 new codes. One notable addition is the expansion of category L89 Pressure ulcer to include specific codes for Deep Tissue Pressure Injury. Prior to this change, DTPI was coded as an unstageable pressure injury. As discussed in ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee…
Coding Tip of the Month – July 2019
Release of a Coronary Artery With a myocardial bridge, part of a coronary artery dips into and underneath the heart muscle and then comes back out again. For the most part, a myocardial bridge is harmless. Patients with a myocardial bridge have it from birth, and most never know they have the condition. However, some…