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Expert analysis, advice, and education for health information managers to improve processes for coding and reimbursement, medical records management, HIPAA, and clinical documentation improvement and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for hospitals, clinics, and physician practices.
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Top Stories
- Q/A: Appropriate use of code 96376
Q: My question pertains to CPT code 96376 (therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection [specify substance or drug]; each additional sequential intravenous push of the same substance/drug provided in a facility [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]). Is reporting an IVP push of the same substance/and or drug in a facility, specifically an emergency room, with 96376 appropriate?
- CCHIT to publish multiple EHR certification options
The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) announced that it will publish three certification approaches to replace the current single one. Its decision came in the wake of two Town Call Web conferences held June 16 and 17 during which the Commission gathered stakeholder input on its proposed new paths to certification of EHR technologies. Development of the new certification options will begin in July.
- Note: Inpatient Part B benefit - limited services payable under Part B to hospital inpatients
Although there were several transmittals and other CMS issuances published during the past week, they were primarily technical in nature rather than of general interest. Having just completed an MBC-H course in Chicago, I was reminded of a topic that I have wanted to discuss for some time. Although not new--that is, there have been no recent changes—there are several things that participants seem surprised about when we discuss them in class. Under the limited inpatient Part B benefit, hospitals can bill Medicare for certain nonphysician services furnished by a hospital (directly or under arrangements) to an inpatient of the hospital when these services are not covered under Part A.
- CMS releases RAC audit phase-in strategy: Complex reviews to arrive as soon as August
CMS released further information June 24 on its RAC Web site letting healthcare providers know when they can expect RACs to begin auditing. The new “CMS RAC Review Phase-in Strategy,” details different types of reviews and dates CMS anticipates the reviews will begin in various areas of the country.
- Q/A: Hydration services continuing past midnight
Q: How should we report hydration services that run past midnight into the next calendar day along with other drug administration services on a UB04 claim form?
- Tip: Don't forget to monitor coding productivity standards
Establishing coding productivity standards is a necessary and challenging aspect of managing an efficient HIM department. Implementing standards is important, but HIM directors and managers sometimes fail to implement them.
ICD-10 Watch
Find the latest news and updates related to ICD-10 regulations, and access tips from the experts for how to manage the transition to this new coding system.
Recent Posts:
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Check out AHIMA ICD-10 resources
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Understand excludes notes in ICD-10
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Look for ICD-10 sessions that go beyond the basics
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The 411 on HIPAA version 5010
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CMS seeks feedback from the industry on a potential code freeze
Spotlight
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Joint Commission Survey Success (Audio Conference)
PROBLEM
Compliant medical record documentation has always been one of the keys to survey success. But as of January 1, The Joint Commission made it more difficult to comply by imposing stricter guidelines that are aligned more closely with CMS' Conditions of Participation. One significant change is that hospitals have only 45 days to correct a direct impact requirement for information (RFI). There are also several new changes that will take effect July 1 for which hospitals must prepare.
SOLUTION
Many RFIs relate to long-standing problems that continue to challenge HIM directors. For example, ensuring that verbal and telephone entries are dated, timed, and signed within 48 hours has been and continues to be an area of noncompliance for many hospitals. Now is the time to examine your hospital's track record on five of the top documentation challenges for survey success. Develop effective training for medical and support staff members to reinforce best practices and avoid scrutiny during a survey.
JOIN US
HCPro will present this live 90-minute audio conference featuring Jean S. Clark, RHIA, CSHA. Clark is a veteran of numerous Joint Commission surveys and knows what it takes for survey success. She will discuss the top five documentation challenges and provide tips and strategies to develop a solid documentation program year round—not just on survey day.
This is an intermediate-level program. Participants should have a general familiarity with the 2009 Joint Commission standards and CMS’ Conditions of Participation.