HCPro.com: HIM Connection

Keep up to date with weekly advice on issues such as coding and reimbursement, medical record documentation, Joint Commission IM standards, and more.

July 22, 2008 (Volume 10, Issue 28)

HIM preparedness for Recovery Audit Contractors
Recovery Audit Contractors will soon make their way into every state nationwide by 2010. We’d like to learn more about how your HIM department is preparing for Recovery Audit Contractors. Please take our survey by clicking here.

Topic: RAC demonstration recoups $992.7 million in overpayments
Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) corrected more than $1 billion of Medicare improper payments between 2005 and March 2008, according to a June 2008 evaluation report. The report, which outlines an analysis of the three-year demonstration project, was released July 11.

Ask the expert: Where can I find more information about CCHIT criteria for inpatient EHR products?
The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) has published its 2008 approved final criteria for certification of inpatient and emergency department EHR products, according to a June 20 announcement on its Web site.

Tip of the week: Ensure round-the-clock registry staff coverage to reduce backlogs
Backlogs occur because understaffing makes it impossible to provide coverage when someone is out sick or on vacation.

PPV: The IPPS PC Pricer: Make the most of this helpful software
Do you work in the finance department or business office at your facility? Are you part of a clinical documentation improvement team looking to implement a successful program? Are you a coding manager trying to improve how your staff reports complications and comorbidities (CC) and major CCs?

Other recently-published articles from HIM Connection:

Topic: Consumers to gain greater insight into local hospital performance on enhanced Hospital Compare Web site

Ask the expert: Where can I find more information on personal health records (PHR), specifically the new Medicare pilot program?

Tip of the week: Have a physician advisor help your coders interpret clinical information

PPV: Avoid inappropriate physician queries

Topic: HHS proposed rule sets ICD-10-CM implementation date for October 1, 2011

Ask the expert: When our hospital treats inmates from the local jail, may we provide information to jail officials if the patient is in custody?

Tip of the week: Prepare physicians for detailed documentation requirements in 2009 by opening the lines of communication now

PPV: Salary survey reveals more responsibilities with little to no extra pay

Topic: Focus on documentation for new ICD-9-CM codes denoting secondary diabetes

Ask the expert: Where can I find more information on hospital acquired conditions for FY 2009?

Tip of the week: Encourage coders to review the new ICD-9-CM Official Coding Guidelines that take effect October 1

PPV: Keep DNFB low in light of MS-DRGs, POA

Topic: Understand how MCC capture affects reimbursement

Ask the expert: Can you explain the role that coders play in educating physicians about the present on admission indicator?

Tip of the week: Prepare for 2009 ICD-9-CM code changes for carcinoid tumors

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