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JustCoding News: Inpatient

JustCoding News: Inpatient is a free companion e-newsletter to Justcoding.com, the Web site that provides thorough explanations and in-depth analysis of medical conditions, diseases, treatments, and procedures.

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Issue 7, February 25, 2015

• Free quiz

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features questions about ICD-9-CM codes...

• ICD-10 Trainer

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 47, December 16, 2015

• AHA Coding Clinic for ICD-10 covers orthopedic, cardiovascular coding

  Shannon E. McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC, CCDS, reviews updates in Coding Clinic about...

• An HIM director's holiday wish list

  Marianne Durling, MHA, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CPC, CIC, an HIM director for a health system in North...

• Reporting biopsies with ICD-10-PCS

  Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I, AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, writes about...

• Healthcare News: CMS invites comments on 2-midnight rule payment calculation

  A recent court ruling determined that CMS had to explain its calculation for a negative 0.2...

• Q&A: Coding from ED documentation and test results

  Q: Can you code strictly from emergency department documentation? Can you code from test results...

• Prepare for JustCoding's redesign by downloading quiz certificates, preregistering

  The team at JustCoding is proud to announce a revamped and redesigned website launching soon. The...

• Trivia question: ICD-10-CM code for an aneurysm of the iliac artery

   What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for an aneurysm of the iliac artery?

• Mini-poll: Which option best describes the type of facility for which you primarily code?

  Which option best describes the type of facility for which you primarily code? 

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for general symptoms and signs

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which focuses on ICD-10-CM codes for general...

Issue 45, December 2, 2015

• A holiday checklist for HIM managers

  The holidays can be a stressful time for coding departments, especially this year with the...

• Past is present: ICD-10-CM clears some ICD-9-CM issues while others persist

  Robert S. Gold, MD, reviews conditions such as sepsis, hypertension, and syncope and how the switch...

• Adding venous thromboembolism to the CDI checklist at your facility

  Linda Renee Brown, RN, MA, CCDS, CCS, CDIP, writes about the importance of tracking venous...

• Healthcare News: Majority of industry stakeholders find smooth transition to ICD-10, according to survey

  ICD-10 implementation has gone smoothly for approximately 80% of attendees who responded to a...

• Q&A: Can non-physicians answer queries after discharge?

  Q: We recently had attending physicians send back queries with responses by the physician assistant...

• Prepare for JustCoding’s redesign by downloading quiz certificates, preregistering

  The team at JustCoding is proud to announce a revamped and redesigned website launching soon. The...

• Product of the week: Clinical Documentation Improvement Tips to Identify Patient Safety Indicator Targets webcast

  Clinical documentation improvement (CDI) programs need to expand their focus beyond CC/MCC capture...

• Trivia question: ICD-10-CM code for sodoku

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for sodoku?

• Mini-poll: Does your hospital have an inpatient or outpatient CDI program?

  Does your hospital have an inpatient or outpatient clinical documentation improvement program? 

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for diseases of the oral cavity and salivary glands

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which focuses on ICD-10-CM codes for diseases...

Issue 43, November 18, 2015 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• Take a look at the clinical picture when coding for chronic kidney disease

  Garry L. Huff, MD, CCS, CCDS, and Brandy Kline, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS, provide an overview ofkey...

• Clinical documentation affects specificity for ICD-10

  Sherry Corsello, RHIT, CPC, writes about how to ensure consistency and reliability of records in...

• Sepsis: Understand clinical presentation and coding strategies for ICD-10

  Coders need to understand the clinical presentation of sepsis to report it accurately. Robert S...

• Healthcare News: Providers do not need to revise orders written before ICD-10 implementation

  CMS does not require ordering providers to rewrite orders prior to ICD-10 implementation with...

• Q&A: Documentation for coding blood transfusions

  Q: In terms of coding blood transfusions, does the documentation of which intravenous (IV) site...

• Get ready for JustCoding’s website redesign!

  The team at JustCoding is proud to announce a revamped and redesigned website launching soon. The...

• Product of the week: Sepsis Documentation & Coding in ICD-10-CM webcast

  ICD-10-CM simplifies coding for sepsis provided the physician completely and accurately documents...

• Mini-poll: How do you plan to spend Black Friday this year?

  How do you plan to spend Black Friday this year?    

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for spondylopathies

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which focuses on ICD-10-CM codes for...

Issue 41, November 4, 2015

• Meet the challenges of spinal arthrodesis coding in ICD-10-PCS

  Jillian Harrington, MHA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-P, CPC-I, MHP, reviews the components in operative...

• Get to know ICD-10-PCS' new technology codes

  Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I, AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, writes about...

• CMS setting itself up for billions of dollars of wasteful spending in ICD-10

   ICD-10 may be a new system with thousands of additional codes compared to ICD-9-CM, but that...

• Healthcare News: CMS finalizes 2-midnight rule changes

  CMS finalized its proposals regarding the 2-midnight rule in the 2016 OPPS final rule, including...

• Q&A: Coding from unsigned operative notes

  Q: Is there guidance on reviewing a record, such as an operative note, that has not been signed by...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  Book excerpt in Special Reports and News: Outlier payments This excerpt from Hospital Billing...

• Trivia question: ICD-10-PCS code for bone marrow Transfusion

  What is the correct ICD-10-PCS code for Transfusion of autologous bone marrow into a peripheral...

• Mini-poll: Have you ever been pressured to report a code you knew to be inappropriate?

  Have you ever been pressured to report a code you knew to be inappropriate? I have not, but...

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for disorders due to psychoactive substance use

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which focuses on ICD-10-CM codes for...

Issue 39, October 21, 2015

• Should we rely on the encoder or the code sets in ICD-10? Or both?

  Joel Moorhead, MD, PhD, CPC, and Faye Kelly, RHIT, CCS, write about the importance of clinical...

• Determine MS-DRG shifts in ICD-10

  While focusing on documentation and coding, providers might not have considered the impact of...

• Look at additional diagnoses and procedures impacted by ICD-10 MS-DRG shifts

  Gloryanne Bryant, RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CDIP, CCDS, highlights more diagnoses affected by the MS-DRG...

• Healthcare News: CMS issues ICD-10 resource guide and contact list for providers

  CMS released a new resource to help providers find the right contacts for ICD-10 questions...

• Q&A: Seeing oliguric and non-oliguric renal failure in documentation

  Q: I have seen documentation of oliguric renal failure and non-oliguric renal failure. What is the...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  Book excerpt in Special Reports and News: Medicare’s 72-hour and 24-hour rules This...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  Book excerpt in Special Reports and News: Medicare’s 72-hour and 24-hour rules This...

• Trivia question: ICD-10-PCS code for right shoulder tendon Excision

  What is the correct ICD-10-PCS code for a right shoulder tendon Excision using an open approach?

• Mini-poll: On average, how many hours of overtime do you work each week?

  On average, how many hours of overtime do you work each week?

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for malignant neoplasms of digestive organs

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which focuses on ICD-10-CM codes for...

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  ICD-10 Trainer blog     

Issue 37, October 7, 2015

• More chart review findings: Keep that education coming

  Robert S. Gold, MD, takes a look at common coding and documentation errors he’s noticed in...

• CMS focuses on value over volume in IPPS rule

  CMS continues to shift Medicare payments from volume and link them to quality measures. Shannon...

• CMS adds new measures for future payment determination

    The 2016 IPPS final rule includes many new claims-based measures for 2018 and 2019...

• Healthcare News: GAO finds HVBP Program has minor effect on Medicare payments, quality trends

  In the first three years after implementation, incentives and penalties tied to the Hospital...

• Q&A: ICD-10-PCS coding for perineal laceration repair

  Q: I am having trouble with ICD-10-PCS coding for a perineal laceration repair. Some sources...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  Book excerpt in Special Reports and News: CMS’ 72-hour and 24-hour rules   This...

• Product of the week: Ancillary Bedside Procedures: Determine What to Charge Beyond the Room Rate live webcast

  If your hospital is rolling up all room-related services into one hourly or daily rate, you may...

• Trivia question: ICD-10-CM code for hypogalactia

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for hypogalactia?

• Mini-poll: Which aspect of ICD-10 coding has been most difficult for your facility so far?

  Which aspect of ICD-10 coding has been most difficult for your facility so far?

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for protozoal diseases

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which focuses on ICD-10-CM codes for...

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 35, September 23, 2015

• Getting to the root of cardiovascular procedures in ICD-10-PCS

  Coders will need to master root operations in order to be successful in ICD-10-PCS. Cindy Basham...

• Identify opportunities from audits

  Robert S. Gold, MD, reviews areas of documentation weakness and potential coding conundrums he...

• ICD-10-PCS queries will vary by specialty

  Queries will no doubt increase due to the increased specificity in ICD-10-PCS. John C. Alexander...

• Healthcare News: CMS guidance clarifies instructions for reporting services spanning October 1

    Providers need to report all services from October 1 forward with ICD-10 codes, but many...

• Q&A: Preparing for ICD-10-PCS

  Q: How can our team prepare for potential productivity losses post-ICD-10 implementation...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  Book excerpt in Special Reports and News: Reporting undetermined and borderline...

• Product of the week: How to Educate Surgeons on ICD-10-PCS Documentation Requirements live webcast

  Even though ICD-10 starts in October, it’s not too late to get your surgeons up to...

• Trivia question: ICD-10-CM code for Legionnaires' disease

    What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for Legionnaires’ disease?  

• Mini-poll: Does your facility offer retention bonuses to coders related to ICD-10?

  Does your facility offer retention bonuses to coders related to ICD-10?

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for congenital malformations and deformations of the musculoskeletal system

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which focuses on ICD-10-CM codes for...

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 33, September 9, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  Sample chapter in Special Reports and News: Root Operations Involving Cutting or Separation...

• Dive into root operations Revision, Replacement, and Removal

    Six ICD-10-PCS root operations require a device, including Revision, Replacement, and...

• Reporting ICD-10-CM seventh characters and sequelae

  ICD-10-CM seventh characters can be used to report more than just the episode of care. Shelley C...

• CMS focuses on value over volume in IPPS rule

  The 2016 IPPS final rule continues CMS’ plan to shift Medicare payments from volume to...

• Healthcare News: CMS discusses ICD-10 end-to-end testing results, coding guidance

    CMS has released a transcript and recording of its August 27 MLN Connects Call featuring...

• Q&A: Dealing with unanswered queries

  Q: In my facility, we are supposed to send an email to our physician advisor (PA) and to...

• Trivia question: ICD-10-CM code for congenital glaucoma

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for congenital glaucoma?

• Mini-poll: How confident are you that your organization will be ready for ICD-10?

  What kind of testing has your organization done for ICD-10?

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM codes for other bacterial diseases

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which focuses on ICD-10-CM codes for other...

Issue 32, August 12, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New sample query forms in Coding Sample Policies and Forms: Pediatric queries for hypoxic ischemic...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New sample query form in Coding Sample Policies and Forms: Pediatric queries for bronchopulmonary...

• Don't overlook ICD-10-PCS challenges

  ICD-10-PCS will completely change the way coders report inpatient procedures. Shannon E. McCall...

• Reporting ICD-10-CM external causes is no joke

  In ICD-10-CM, to tell the patient’s whole story, coders need to report external cause codes...

• Details distinguish between ICD-10-PCS root operations Excision, Resection

  The only difference between ICD-10-PCS root operations Excision and Resection is the amount of the...

• Healthcare News: CMS adds additional clinical scenario examples

  CMS continues expand its ICD-10 Clinical Concepts Series for specialties on its ICD-10 page to help...

• Q&A: Fractures in ICD-10-CM

  Q: Do you have any tips for coding fractures in ICD-10-CM? We’re a little worried about the...

• Product of the week: Chronic Kidney Disease: Use Case Studies to Improve Renal Coding, Querying live webcast

  Coders face a daily struggle with selecting the appropriate principal diagnosis for patients with...

• Trivia answer: ICD-10-CM code for osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of the left radius

  Congratulations to this week’s winner, Lisa U. Owens, RHIT, CCS, CDIP, AHIMA-approved...

• Mini-poll: How confident are you that your organization will be ready for ICD-10?

  How confident are you that your organization will be ready for ICD-10?

• Free quiz: ICD-10-CM external cause codes for car occupant injured in transport accident

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which ICD-10-CM external cause codes for car...

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 30, July 29, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  A new special report in Special Reports and News: Ten things you need to know about ICD-10--and...

• Focus on criteria for acute renal failure

  Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an abrupt decrease in kidney function that is reversible within three...

• Defend code assignments to help improve coding quality and reduce take-backs

  With Recovery Auditor audits on hold, hospitals may have experienced a decrease in the number of...

• Section X marks the spot for New Technology in ICD-10-PCS

  The Cooperating Parties added a 17th section to the ICD-10-PCS Manual for 2016: Section X (New...

• Identify opportunities from audits

  Medical record audits provide opportunities to educate coders, physicians, and/or clinical...

• Follow the steps to determine the MS-DRG

  Coders and CDI specialists often rely on the encoder to determine the MS-DRG. Cheryl Ericson, MS...

• Differentiate between diagnostic and therapeutic Drainage procedures in ICD-10-PCS

  Drainage procedures can be therapeutic in nature or diagnostic, such as when a physician removes a...

• Healthcare News: HIM directors feel undervalued

  A recent salary survey conducted by our sister publication Medical Records Briefing found the same...

• Healthcare News: CMS finalized coding, MS-DRG changes

  CMS finalized a number of coding and MS-DRG changes as part of the fiscal year 2016 IPPS final...

• Q&A: Building a query for sepsis

  Q: I have been asked to build a query for a diagnosis of SIRS and/or sepsis for the following...

• Q&A: Documenting uncertain diagnoses

  Q: If the physician documents “concerning for,” “considering,&rdquo...

• Trivia answer: ICD-9-CM code for low birth weight

  Congratulations to this week’s winner, Felicia A. Gaffney, BA, RHIT, coding analyst at...

• Mini-poll: Which of the following one-day coding training sessions would you be most interested in attending?

  Which of the following one-day coding training sessions would you be most interested in attending?

• Free quiz: ICD-9-CM codes for poisoning by drugs, medicinal, and biological substances

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-9-CM codes for poisoning...

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

• Product of the week: JustCoding's ICD-10-PCS Medical and Surgical Root Operations Training Handbook

  ICD-10-PCS coding is different than anything inpatients coders have done in the past. The root...

• Trivia question: ICD-10-CM code for osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of the left radius

  What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of the left radius?

• Mini-poll: Which aspect of evaluation and management reporting causes the most problems at your organization?

  Which aspect of evaluation and management reporting causes the most problems at your organization?

• Free quiz: ICD-9-CM codes for other diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-9-CM codes for other...

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 26, July 15, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New sample query forms in our Coding Sample Policies and Forms: These sample queries were donated...

• Keep up with Coding Clinic for ICD-10-PCS

  The AHA’s Coding Clinic for ICD-10 continues to provide updates and guidance for a variety of...

• See the eyes through ICD-10

  The optical system is the most complex organ system of the human body and is subject to specific...

• Break down ICD-10-PCS root operations Drainage, Extirpation, Fragmentation

  ICD-10-PCS root operations Drainage, Extirpation, and Fragmentation involve removing material from...

• Healthcare News: CMS proposed comprehensive care for joint replacement

  CMS announced a new incentive program designed to reduce complications from joint replacement...

• ICD-10 Trainer blog

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

• Product of the week: Summer ICD-10 Lunch & Learn Webcast Series

  ICD-10 is coming in less than three months and we want to help you prepare your inpatient coders...

• Mini-poll: How often do you visit the JustCoding website?

  How often do you visit the JustCoding website?

• Free quiz: ICD-9-CM Volume 3 coders for digestive system operations

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-9-CM Volume 3 coders for...

Issue 23, June 17, 2015

• Coding Clinic defines ICD-10-CM seventh character, continues ICD-10-PCS focus

  Sharme Brodie, RN, CCDS, highlights guidance on ICD-10-PCS root operations and seventh characters...

• Prepare for increased queries in ICD-10-PCS

  ICD-10-PCS does not include unspecified options so coders will need information for each of the...

• Use Coding Clinic wisely and correctly for ICD-10

    Coding Clinic serves as the Supreme Court in interpreting ICD?9?CM or ICD?10?CM/PCS and...

• Healthcare News: ICD-10-PCS adds new codes for 2016

  Coders will find 50 new codes in ICD-10-PCS for 2016, according to the summary of changes posted...

• Q&A: Coding sprains and strains in ICD-10-CM

  Q: In ICD-9-CM, sprains and strains fall under the same codes. Will that also be the case in...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!  

• Product of the week: Summer ICD-10 Lunch & Learn Webcast Series

  ICD-10 is coming in less than four months and we want to help you prepare your inpatient coders...

• Trivia answer

  Trivia answer

• Trivia answer

  Trivia answer

• Trivia answer

  Trivia answer

• Trivia answer

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• Trivia answer

  Trivia answer

• Mini-poll

  Mini-poll    

• Free quiz

  Free quiz  

• ICD-10 Trainer

  ICD-10 Trainer    

• Help us get to 1,000 Likes!

  JustCoding's Facebook page is a place for coders to get the latest news on ICD-10 and other rules...

Issue 21, June 3, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  A new query in our Coding Sample Policies and Forms:

• Identify vulnerabilities related to Patient Safety Indicator 12

  Shannon Newell, RHIA, CCS, Steve Weichhand, and Sean Johnson conclude their four-part series on PSI...

• CMS continues focus on quality measures in 2016 IPPS proposed rule

  CMS provided plenty of proposed refinements to quality measures in the 2016 IPPS proposed rule, but...

• Wrap your hands around tricky coding and documentation challenges

  Coding, documentation, and diagnoses aren’t always clear-cut, which can challenge even...

• Healthcare News: OIG releases semiannual report to Congress

  The Office of Inspector General (OIG) cited numerous investigations into healthcare as part of its...

• Q&A: Complication codes versus condition codes

  Q: When I started as a coder, I learned that the complication code, such as from ICD-9-CM series...

• Product of the week: Summer ICD-10 Lunch & Learn Webcast Series

  ICD-10 is coming in less than four months and we want to help you prepare your inpatient coders...

• Trivia question

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for a malignant neoplasm of the cartilage of the nose?

• Mini-poll

  Would you be willing to pay an additional cost for a code lookup tool as part of your JustCoding...

• Free quiz

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-9-CM codes for poisonings...

• ICD-10 Trainer

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 19, May 20, 2015

• PSI 15 complication conundrum: Accidental laceration criteria misunderstood

  Patient Safety Indicator 15 tracks events during surgical procedures that can hurt patients, but...

• Distinguish between poisonings, adverse effects to code correctly in ICD-10-CM

  Shannon E. McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC, CCDS, and Cheryl Ericson, MS, RN, CCDS...

• Healthcare News: Another ICD-10 bill introduced in House

  Rep. Diane Black, R-Tennessee, introduced a new bill related to ICD-10 into the House of...

• Q&A: Linking diabetes and gastroparesis

  Q: Should “diabetes with gastroparesis” be coded as 536.3, diabetes with a...

• Improve CC/MCC capture with coder, physician education

  Coders tell a patient’s story with a principal diagnosis and additional diagnoses, some of...

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  A new query in our Coding Sample Policies and Forms: Sample query: Urinary tract infection...

• Product of the week: Malnutrition Coding and CDI Case Study: Build an EHR Solution to Improve Workflow (live webcast)

  Find out how one facility created an electronic health records (EHR) solution to improve...

• Trivia answer

  Trivia answer

• Mini-poll

  How is your organization using dual coding as a training tool for ICD-10?

• Free quiz

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-9-CM codes for open...

• ICD-10 Trainer

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 17, May 6, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  A new query in our Coding Sample Policies and Forms: ICD-10-CM query template example...

• Drill down into PSI 7 to improve quality reporting

  PSI 7 evaluates the hospital’s risk-adjusted rate of central venous catheter-related...

• Resolve seventh character questions before ICD-10 implementation

  As coders have prepared for ICD-10-CM, they have raised questions about how to select the correct...

• Refresh your knowledge of CC/MCCs

  Coders and clinical documentation improvement specialists need to pay attention to what conditions...

• Q&A: Coding an excisional debridement

  Q: Where can I go to find out if the word “excisional” must be written by the doctor to...

• Product of the week: ICD-10-PCS Multiple Procedures: Identify Guideline Changes and Documentation Shortcomings webcast

  The ICD-10-PCS guidelines for reporting multiple procedures could trip up inpatient coders because...

• Trivia question

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for juvenile osteocondrosis of the os tibiale externum?

• Mini-poll

  Is your organization planning to code outpatient procedures using ICD-10-PCS as well as CPT®...

• Free quiz

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-9-CM codes for diseases of...

• ICD-10 Trainer

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

• Last chance to win a free webinar!

  The team behind the ICD-10 Trainer blog wants to get to know you! If you have not already done so...

Issue 15, April 22, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  A new query in our Coding Sample Policies and Forms:

• Clinical versus coding definitions: Challenges associated with translation

  When providers use different definitions for the same disease, confusion and chaos result. Trey La...

• Move past the difficulties of heart failure coding

  Heart failure is the intrinsic inability of the heart to supply target organs with sufficient...

• Focus in on PSI 15 to improve quality reporting

  PSI 15 measures the hospital’s risk-adjusted rate of accidental punctures and lacerations...

• Healthcare News: CMS proposes MS-DRG changes

  In the Fiscal Year 2016 IPPS proposed rule, CMS unveiled planned changes to MS-DRGs and ICD-10...

• Q&A: Parsing out the principal diagnosis in possible coronary patient

  Q: A patient came to the ED with shortness of breath (SOB). The admitting diagnosis was possible...

• Product of the week: CC/MCC: Clinical Conditions, Query Opportunities, and ICD-10 Update webinar

  Struggling to identify the clinical indicators needed to qualify a diagnosis as a...

• Trivia answer

  Trivia answer

• Mini-poll

  Which of the follow handbooks would you be most likely to purchase?

• Free quiz

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-9-CM codes for diseases of...

• ICD-10 Trainer

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 13, April 8, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!  

• Simplify seventh character selection in ICD-10-CM

  The seventh character in an ICD-10-CM code represents either the fetus (for pregnancy codes), or...

• Aftercare codes get a makeover in ICD-10-CM

  In ICD-10-CM, coders will use a seventh character, not an aftercare code, to identify follow-up...

• Coding Clinic highlights mechanical ventilation, principal procedure sequencing

  Sharme Brodie, RN, CCDS, details some of the top questions and answers from Coding Clinic, Fourth...

• Healthcare News: WEDI releases latest ICD-10 readiness survey results

  The 2014 ICD-10 implementation delay negatively impacted ICD-10 preparations, according to the...

• Q&A: ICD-10-PCS root operation for polypectomy

  Q: Which root operation would we use in ICD-10-PCS for a polypectomy when a biopsy is done on...

• Product of the week: Acute Kidney Injury: Use Case Studies to Improve Renal Coding, Querying live webcast

  Take an in-depth look at coding, documentation, and querying for acute kidney injury (AKI).

• Trivia question

  What is the correct ICD-10-PCS root operation for circumcision?

• Mini-poll

  How does working in your electronic health record (EHR) compare to using paper records?

• Free quiz

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features ICD-10-CM codes for...

• ICD-10 Trainer

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 12, March 25, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!  

• Simplify coding, CDI concerns for complications

  A complication basically refers to an unexpected result, outcome, or event. Shannon E. McCall...

• Correctly code encephalopathy with seizures/CVA

  The physician documented “encephalopathy” in the progress note of a patient who was...

• Q&A: Drop in hematocrit

  Q: When coding a drop in hematocrit (790.01, precipitous drop in hematocrit), does it need to be a...

• Product of the week: Acute Kidney Injury: Use Case Studies to Improve Renal Coding, Querying live webcast

  Take an in-depth look at coding, documentation, and querying for acute kidney injury (AKI). During...

• Trivia answer

  Congratulations to this week’s winner, Diana Stuart, COC, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CCS-P, CRS...

• Mini-poll

  How does working in your electronic health record (EHR) compare to using paper records?

• Free quiz

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features questions ICD-9-CM codes for...

• ICD-10 Trainer

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

• Editor’s Note: No issue next week

  JustCoding News: Outpatient will not publish next week. JustCoding News: Inpatient will publish as...

Issue 10, March 11, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!  

• CDI specialists play vital role in capturing pay-for-performance measures

  Clinical documentation improvement (CDI) specialists must understand CMS pay-for-performance...

• Differentiate between acute and chronic meniscus tears

  ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM differentiate between acute and chronic meniscus tears. Kristi Pollard...

• Get back to query basics

  Myths and misinformation about query practices still remain. Cheryl Ericson, MS, RN, CCDS, William...

• Healthcare News: Study findings suggest a need for Recovery Auditor reform

  Three university hospitals saw a doubling of Recovery Auditor audit activity from 2010–2011...

• Q&A: Principal diagnosis assignment for UTI versus encephalopathy

  Q: How should the diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) and encephalopathy be sequenced...

• Product of the week: Heart Failure: Identify Key Coding, Documentation, and Quality Challenges live webcast

  The guidelines for principal diagnosis selection involving heart failure have changed over the past...

• Trivia question

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for an infected blister on the chest wall?

• Mini-poll

  On average, how many hours do you spend each week on non-coding tasks, such as querying, training...

• Free quiz

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features questions ICD-9-CM codes for...

• ICD-10 Trainer

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 8, February 25, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

    New on JustCoding Platinum!    

• Coding, CDI focus on heart disease differs

  Coders and clinical documentation improvement specialists often focus on different information when...

• Beware of vendor promises regarding CDI/coder results

  Trey La Charité, MD, explains why facilities need to apply a “buyer beware&rdquo...

• Take a closer look at SOI, ROM though a case study

  Coders and clinical documentation specialists can use queries to improve physician documentation of...

• Healthcare News: CMS releases new ICD-10 videos, plans more acknowledgement testing

  CMS is providing more resources to help providers prepare for the upcoming transition to ICD-10...

• Q&A: What are the rules for using information on ambulance forms or trip tickets?

  Q: Can CDI programs use the information on ambulance forms or trip tickets to abstract from if the...

• Product of the week: Codercise for ICD-10-CM/PCS Inpatient

  Need an ICD-10 refresher before the go-live date? Codercise for ICD-10-CM/PCS Inpatient is the...

• Trivia answer

  What is the correct ICD-10-PCS code for excision of malignant melanoma from the skin of the right...

• Mini-poll

  Which of the following webinar topics would you be most likely to pay to attend?

Issue 6, February 11, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!  

• Dig into the details of ICD-10-PCS section Administration

  The ICD-10-PCS Manual includes 17 different sections, including Administration. Learn how to assign...

• Coding Clinic continues focus on ICD-10-PCS

  Sharme Brodie, RN, CCDS, highlights some of Coding Clinic’s recent guidance on ICD-10-PCS...

• ICD-10-PCS bypass is more than CABG

  Coronary artery bypass graft procedures are not the only ones coders will report using the root...

• Healthcare News: GAO reports on CMS' ICD-10 preparations

  CMS is adequately preparing to implement ICD-10 October 1, according to a new Government...

• Q&A: Correct ICD-10-CM seventh character for malunion of fracture

  Q: A patient comes in with a malunion of a fracture. A different physician treated the patient...

• Product of the week: Codercise for ICD-10-CM/PCS Inpatient

  Need an ICD-10 refresher before the go-live date? Codercise for ICD-10-CM/PCS Inpatient is the...

• Trivia question

  What is the correct ICD-10-PCS code for excision of malignant melanoma from the skin of the right...

• Mini-poll

  Do you use computer-assisted coding software at your facility?

• Free quiz

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features questions about ICD-10-CM...

• ICD-10 Trainer

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 4, January 28, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!

• Queries can help reflect accurate SOI, ROM

  Accurately painting a picture of the patient's severity of illness (SOI) and risk of mortality...

• Determine when to appropriately report additional diagnoses

  In order to identify patients with a CC or MCC, coders need to know when to report additional...

• Our future still includes Recovery Auditors

  A hiatus from Recovery Auditor scrutiny may have allowed HIM professionals to focus on other...

• Healthcare News: Documentation for osteogenic stimulator coverage lacking

  Physician documentation for the use of osteogenic stimulators for nonunion of fractures is often...

• Q&A: Atelectasis query for secondary diagnosis

  Q: When atelectasis is noted on an ancillary test such as a CT scan of the abdomen or chest x-ray...

• Product of the week: Heart Failure: Identify Key Coding, Documentation, and Quality Challenges live webinar

  The guidelines for principal diagnosis selection involving heart failure have changed over the past...

• Trivia answer

  Congratulations to Shauna K. Rhoads, RHIA, CHPS, CPC, director of HIM for Great Plains Regional...

• Mini-poll

  What concerns you most about ICD-10 coding?

• Free quiz

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features questions about ICD-9-CM codes...

• ICD-10 Trainer

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 2, January 14, 2015

• New on JustCoding Platinum!

  New on JustCoding Platinum!  

• Context matters with excisional debridement versus non-excisional debridement

  Auditors continue to scrutinize inpatient wound care services. Glenn Krauss,BBA, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P...

• Know when to charge for ancillary bedside procedures beyond the room rate

  In some cases, coding professionals can—and should—report ancillary services provided...

• Which diagnosis is principal?

  The reason a patient comes in is to a facility not always the same as the reason the physician...

• Healthcare News: AHA loses lawsuit over Recovery Auditor appeals

  The District of Columbia federal district court dismissed a lawsuit December 18, 2014, filed by the...

• Q&A: Leading the physician via query form titles

  Q: Is a query titled “Sepsis Query” considered leading even if it is an open-ended...

• Product of the week: Respiratory Failure Ins and Outs live webinar

  Knowing how authoritative criteria define acute respiratory failure in children and adults is the...

• Trivia question

  What is the correct ICD-9-CM code for caffeine poisoning?

• Mini-poll

  What do you find most difficult about injection and infusion coding?

• Free quiz

  Test your knowledge with this week’s free quiz, which features questions about ICD-9-CM codes...

• ICD-10 Trainer

  Access the latest blog posts on ICD–10 Trainer, a free online forum for all matters related...

Issue 17, March 25, 2015

• Identify changes in PTCA coding in ICD-10-PCS

  Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a minimally invasive procedure to open up...

Issue 26, July 15, 2015

• Q&A: Does ’in the setting of’ equal ’due to’?

  Q: Can “in the setting of”' be interpreted as “due to” in ICD-10-CM? For...

Issue 17, May 6, 2015

• Healthcare news: Recovery Auditors find incorrect discharge status codes

  An automated Recovery Auditor review of discharge status codes identified improper payments...

Issue 12, March 25, 2015

• Healthcare News: CMS changes policy on inpatient-only procedures and three-day window

  CMS Transmittal 3217, effective April 1, will allow inpatient-only procedures to be included on...

Issue 30, July 29, 2015

• Product of the week: JustCoding?s ICD-10-PCS Medical and Surgical Root Operations Training Handbook

  ICD-10-PCS coding is different than anything inpatients coders have done in the past. The root...