Health Information Management

Tip: Minimize ICD-10-CM denials by focusing on key performance indicators

APCs Insider, November 13, 2015

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to APCs Insider!

To help minimize the impact ICD-10-CM can have on key performance indicators, start by ensuring you have the right workforce members touching the claims the first time, which may minimize denials and avoid rework. Put your strongest Medicare staff on the denial work as soon as you start to see them.
 
If you haven't done so already, explore options for hiring backfill coders or other workforce members. This can be costly, but it goes a long way in ensuring claims get out the door sooner.
 
Analyze documentation to identify trends and patterns in ICD-9-CM that may or may not be carried over to ICD-10-CM. For example, the coding definition of atrial fibrillation may differ from the ways in which providers commonly document it, and this should be communicated to physicians so they can document conditions in a way that will help with accurate code assignment in ICD-10-CM.
 
This tip is adapted from “Predicting ICD-10 losses and tracking key performance indicators after October 1” in the November issue of Briefings on APCs.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to APCs Insider!

    Briefings on APCs

  • Briefings on APCs

    Worried about the complexities of the new rules under OPPS and APCs? Briefings on APCs helps you understand the new rules...

  • HIM Briefings

    Guiding Health Information Management professionals through the continuously changing field of medical records and toward a...

  • Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies

    Submitting improper Medicare documentation can lead to denial of fees, payback, fines, and increased diligence from payers...

  • Briefings on HIPAA

    How can you minimize the impact of HIPAA? Subscribe to Briefings on HIPAA, your health information management resource for...

  • APCs Insider

    This HTML-based e-mail newsletter provides weekly tips and advice on the new ambulatory payment classifications regulations...

Most Popular