Advanced Search

Home Health ICD-9/ICD-10 Alert

CODING UPDATE:
PAY CLOSER ATTENTION TO THIS DRESSINGS V CODE
Don't report V58.3 when a wound is complicated.Using V58.3 (Attention to surgical dressing... Read more
CODING HOW-TO:
SUPPORT THERAPY CLAIMS WITH NEW HISTORY OF FALL CODE
Don't use V15.88 as a primary diagnosis.As of Oct.1, new V code V15.88 (History of fall, a... Read more
CODING TIP:
KEEP V CODES FROM JEOPARDIZING RISK ADJUSTMENT
If you don't consider risk adjustment when including V codes in your reporting, you could ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Go To Extremes With OASIS Diagnoses
Question: How detailed do we need to be in coding a diagnosis on OASIS? Do we really need ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Code Correctly For Chest Tube Care
Question: We have a patient with a history of COPD, CHF, HPTN, atrial fibrillation, corona... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Use Care With Device Complication Codes
Question: Your new codes story in the last issue included the new 996.4x series of codes f... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Know Your Knee Replacement Codes
Question: We have a patient who had severe bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees and bilat... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER:
GET HIP TO GAIT TRAINING
Question: A 73-year-old man with a history of falls fell at home and fractured his left hi... Read more
CODING UPDATE:
GET SPECIFIC WITH NEW CODES FOR KIDNEY DISEASE, DIABETES AND MORE
Code 996.4 now requires a fifth digit.If you're still coding chronic kidney disease with 5... Read more
CLIP 'N' SAVE:
GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATES FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE STAGES
Use this handy chart to help select the correct code for each stage of chronic kidney dise... Read more
Coding How To:
KEEP ABSCESS CODING FROM DRAINING YOU
Answering 'no' on M0482 doesn't mean you can't code as aftercare.Are you answering "yes" t... Read more
BILLING TIP:
KEEP YOUR CALENDAR HANDY WHEN BILLING WITH NEW CODES
Think you're prepared for the new and changed codes? If you haven't thought through the im... Read more
OASIS Tip:
DON'T LET ABSCESS CODING LOGIC BURST YOUR RISK ADJUSTMENT
Know when to say 'yes' to M0440.When you're tempted to answer "no" to M0440 for a patient ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Keep Patient's Lower Extremities Covered
Question: We have a patient diagnosed with peripheral venous disease. This patient previou... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Pick Up These Pacemaker Coding Tips
Question: How do I code correctly for patients with cardiac pacemakers?   A... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Keep Osteomyelitis Coding In Order
Question: We have a patient who has been referred to home health for IV antibiotics after ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Note Location When Coding Stasis Ulcers
Question: When coding stasis ulcers, when should I report 454.0? When should I code 459.81... Read more
You Be the Coder:
WHICH CODE IS PRIMARY FOR HIP REPLACEMENT?
Question: You admit a patient from the hospital after a total right hip replacement follow... Read more
CODING UPDATE:
PREPARE FOR THESE CHANGES TO HYPERTENSIVE HEART AND RENAL CODES
Linking hypertension no longer limited to cases of renal failure.Get ready for new descrip... Read more
Coding Quiz:
CODING AT THE MOVIES
Use your coding expertise to solve these movie riddles. Find the missing term and cod... Read more
Coding Guidelines:
BREAK THIS BAD STROKE CODING HABIT
Code acute CVA with 434.91If you're listing 436 without any billed therapies for your acut... Read more
Coding 101:
DON'T FALL INTO OPEN WOUND AND DEBILITY CODING TRAPS
Learn when trauma codes aren't appropriate.Before you code tricky wound and debility scena... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
AVOID THIS COSTLY MISTAKE WITH DIABETIC PATIENTS
Know when CHF belongs in M0230.Take the time to re-think your coding strategies where diab... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Shoot Down Type II Diabetes Questions
Question: I'm unclear on when it's appropriate or necessary to use code V58.67. Can you ex... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Take Medication Management and Teaching 101
Question: Is there a code available for medication management and teaching? Answer: When ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Lose Heart Over Heart Failure Codes
Question: What codes do I report for heart failure? Answer: The codes for heart failure a... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Be Tramatized by Wound Coding
Question: What counts as a "traumatic wound?" How do I code for them? Answer: There are ma... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Avoid Dialysis Coding Confusion
Question: I have a patient with end stage renal disease who is on dialysis and the cathete... Read more
You Be The Coder:
KEEP DIABETES MANIFESTATIONS IN ORDER
Question: My patient has diabetes with renal failure and is on dialysis, and has diabetic ... Read more
CODING HOW-TO:
Take The Pain Out Of Pain Coding With These Tips
Learn when coding a patient's pain won't hurt you.  Pain often comes with the territo... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Test Your Pain Coding Savvy With These Scenarios
How would you code pain associated with migraine? Figuring out when - and when not - to co... Read more
Clip & Save:
Stop Losing Money on Missing M0245 Codes
Warning: Blanking out on M0245 could give you a failing grade on the claims collection tes... Read more
Coding Tip:
Use This Field-Tested Strategy To Ensure All Your Codes Match
Don't let code changes fall through the cracks. The OASIS, CMS 485 and the UB-92 make for ... Read more
News Flash:
ICD-10 Could Be On The Fast Track
AHIMA urges Congress to move quickly to adopt the updated coding system. Coders for years ... Read more
Coding 101:
Think That Fifth Digit Doesn't Matter? Think Again
'Code jamming' could can your claims. The next time the thought crosses your mind that the... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep 'Immobility Syndrome' From Stopping You in Your Tracks
Unless otherwise indicated, reader questions were answered by Lisa Selman-Holman, JD, BSN,... Read more
Reader Questions:
Break Through Pathological Compression Fracture Coding Confusion
Question: A patient fell and now has a lumbar compression fracture, for which she was hosp... Read more
Reader Questions:
Take This Dose of IV Administration Advice
Question: How would we code an episode in which we admit a patient with multiple sclerosis... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stay in Step With 781.2 Rules
Question: We are having a discussion in our office regarding the use of ICD-9 code 781.2 (... Read more
You Be The Coder ... don't Let This Situation Leave Your Head Spinning
Question: We have a patient coming home after suffering several falls and sustaining bilat... Read more
CONQUERING CASE MIX:
STOP WEAKENING YOUR CLAIMS WITH INAPPROPRIATE 728.2 AND 728.9 CODING
Coding muscle weakness incorrectly is a problem for many agenciesIf you're having claims d... Read more
Coding How-To:
LEARN WHEN IT'S OK TO LIST SYMPTOM CODES AS PRIMARY DIAGNOSES
Test yourself: Do you know the three conditions in which CMS blesses primary symptom codes... Read more
Clip & Save:
USE THIS GUIDE TO ACE COMMON THERAPY CODES
Never again confuse 719.7 and 781.2The maze of therapy codes used in home health often lea... Read more
Coding 101:
DON'T LET CHEAT SHEETS CHEAT YOUR CODERS OUT OF ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE
Complacency is the biggest pitfall to coding reference sheetsDo your coders have "cheat sh... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Location Is Key With Diabetic Ulcers
Question: We have a patient who has diabetes with neuropathy. Due to the decreased sensati... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Make the Right Call When PT and SN Go Head-to-Head
Question: If physical therapy and skilled nursing are both visiting a patient for differen... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Focus on Care When Coding for Metastatic Cancer
Question: We're seeing a patient for metastatic cancer with no symptoms present from the p... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Clean Up CVA Coding Accidents
Question: We have a patient who was admitted from the hospital for rehab therapy following... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER:
SIMPLIFY COMPLICATION CODES WITH THIS EXAMPLE
Question: A 67-year-old male patient is admitted to home care following a hospitalization ... Read more
CODING UPDATE:
Specificity Is The Name Of The Latest Diabetes Coding Game
And you'll have a whole new set of orthopedic device codes at your fingertips come Oct. 1.... Read more
Coding How-To:
Breathe New Life Into Your COPD Coding With These Tips
The first step toward accurate coding: slow down. Coding for COPD may seem simple enough -... Read more
Consult These Answers to Common COPD Scenarios
Review the following coding advice on potentially confusing scenarios coders often face, o... Read more
Billing Alert:
Get The Skinny On The New Claim Form Straight From The Source
A new claim form is on the way. Will UB ready? The date has been set: The new UB-04 will o... Read more
Coding 101:
Don't Let Looking For A Coder Be A Code Blue For Your Agency
Understand your options before beginning your search. Is it better to hire new coders from... Read more
CORRECTION
There is an error in the "You Be The Coder" feature in the June issue. The code listed for... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Try to Dress Naked 998.59
Question: We have a patient with a postoperative infection being treated by antibiotics. W... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Prepare to Change Your Chronic 585 Habits
Question: I frequently use code 585 (Chronic renal failure), but heard that this code soon... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Unspecific Codes Raise Specific Questions
Question: My coders frequently use various "unspecified" codes, and I'm concerned that we'... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Learn the Status of Status Codes
Question: Would you use a status code such as V45.75 (Acquired absence of organ, stomach) ... Read more
You Be The Coder ... Don't be wooed by an inappropriate primary diagnosis
Question: We have a patient who had surgery for removal of a bone lesion secondary to oste... Read more
CODING UPDATE:
Chat It Up With Docs To Ensure Success With 2006 ICD-9 Codes
Coding changes will require better communication with physicians than ever before.Don't ge... Read more
Coding Guidelines:
LEARN THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT THIS QUIET THREAT TO YOUR SEPSIS CLAIMS
Don't hesitate to ask - even docs may get it wrong.If you think sepsis is the same as sept... Read more
Coding How-To:
WHAT EVERY CODER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CODING SEPSIS
Hint: Don't make it primary.When the clinician writes sepsis as primary, you code 995.91 -... Read more
Coding Training:
BOOST YOUR REIMBURSEMENT WITH BETTER CODING TRAINING
3 strategies for improving clinician and staff coding accuracy.Many clinicians resist focu... Read more
Coding 101:
MASTER PNEUMONIA CODING WITH THIS 4-POINT PLAN
Breathe easier by double-checking documentation.Insist physicians cough up the information... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Diagnosis Codes Aren't Interchangeable
Question: We admitted a patient with a pseudomonas urinary tract infection and hematuria. ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Save V Codes for Routine Care
Question: I have a few questions about the April 2005 Home Health ICD-9 Alert "You Be The ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Scleroderma Can Slow Wound Healing
Question: We admitted a patient with scleroderma who lacerated her right hand in a fall ag... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Use These V Codes Together
Question: We admit many patients with hip fractures who have had open reductions. How do w... Read more
YOU BE THE CODER:
ASK KEY QUESTIONS TO PAINT AN ACCURATE PICTURE OF YOUR PATIENT
Question: Your newest patient is a 79-year-old man who fell when he was getting out of his... Read more
CONQUERING CASE MIX:
USE MEMORY AIDS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ALZHEIMER'S DENIALS
Memorize these 3 tips for accurate AD coding.Home health agencies coding Alzheimer's disea... Read more
Coding How-To:
BANISH COSTLY DENIALS WITH CORRECT DIABETES CODES
Follow these 5 steps to diabetes coding success.Warning: Coders who don't understand diabe... Read more
Coding 101:
SAFEGUARD YOUR CLAIMS WITH THESE DIABETES TYPE TIPS
Hint: Insulin is not the answer to the type question.If you missed the descriptor changes ... Read more
CODING UPDATE:
DON'T LET SPECIAL WORD MEANINGS THROW THE BOOK AT YOUR CLAIMS
Small words give quick guidance - if you understand them.You may think you know what "and"... Read more
READER QUESTIONS
Break M0245 Fracture Code Confusion Question: How do we meet the criteria that the OASIS, ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO FERRET OUT THE PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS
Question: Your patient is admitted following hospital treatment for malignant essential hy... Read more
CONQUERING CASE MIX:
Vanquish V57.1 Problems By Focusing On Basics
Counting the number of visits is not the answer. To achieve V57.1 accuracy, you may have t... Read more
Coding How-To:
Clear A Path Through Burn Coding Confusion
Follow these 5 steps to smoke out burn coding errors. Pop quiz: What's the single biggest ... Read more
CODING COACH:
Bid Farewell To Costly Primary Diagnosis Coding Errors
Hint: M0230 really comes after M0825 Four years into the prospective payment system, agenc... Read more
Coding 101:
Aid Your Claims By Avoiding This AIDS Coding Trap
Hint: All states do not treat AIDS codes equally. Do you know if your state rejects your O... Read more
READER QUESTIONS
Reader questions were reviewed by Lynda Dilts-Benson, RN, CCM, CRRN, CRNAC, LHRM, HCS-D, a... Read more
You Be The Coder ... Complicated Cases Call For Detailed Coding
Question: The patient is admitted to home care following an accident that left him with a ... Read more
CONQUERING CASE MIX:
IMPROVE COMMUNICATION-OR PAY THE PRICE
Tip: To encourage collaboration, try moving M0210. Think accurate coding alone will safegu... Read more
Reimbursement:
AVOID COSTLY CODING DENIALS WITH THESE TIPS
Are these common errors tripping you up?Your diagnosis coding errors are allowing regional... Read more
Coding Coach:
USE SEVERITY RATINGS TO PREVENT COSTLY ERRORS
Look for inconsistencies before you finalize your codes.Remember in math class when you ch... Read more
ELI RESEARCH PRESENTS SUBSCRIBER-ONLY SERVICE
ELI RESEARCH IS PROUD TO PRESENT A SUBSCRIBER-ONLY SERVICE - ELI'S HOME HEALTH CODING AND ... Read more
CODING 101:
DON'T LET MI CODING GIVE YOU A HEART ATTACK
The fourth digit is your challence.Accurately coding a myocardial infarction is like plann... Read more
READER QUESTIONS
Reader questions were reviewed by Lynda Dilts-Benson, RN, CCM, CRRN, CRNAC, LHRM, HCS-D, a... Read more
CODING UPDATE:
Acute Or Late Effects CVA? Here's How To Tell
Contractor clarification will come. How to code CVAs shouldn't depend on where you live - ... Read more
Coding How-To:
Develop Crucial Coding Policies In 5 Steps
Focus first on codes affecting reimbursement. Coding inconsistencies can cost you money - ... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
One Case Mix Diagnosis Remains Well Hidden
Dig deeply to get the reimbursement you earned. Clarifying case mix diagnoses shouldn't be... Read more
Resources:
Make The Most Of These Online Coding Resources
5 places to master the ins and outs of coding. You may not be able to google the answer t... Read more
Coding 101:
Think Twice About Using V55 Codes for Artificial Openings
Hint: Ask who provides the care. Here's a common scenario: The patient has a colostomy, th... Read more
Reader Questions
Reader questions were reviewed by Lynda Dilts-Benson, RN, CCM, CRRN, CRNAC, LHRM, HCS-D, a... Read more
You Be The Coder ... Multiple Fractures Complicate Coding
Question: The patient was injured in a car accident and admitted to home health with a fra... Read more
STATUS CODES:
Are You Sure You Understand V58.6?
Surprise! Refills do not equal 'long term.' Look again at long term medication use codes -... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
New Light Shed On Home Health CVA Coding Exception
Clarification is an ongoing struggle. If you've been wondering how to code stroke patients... Read more
Coding Compliance:
Beware Risky Coding Contracts - Percentage Raises Red Flag
Happy New Year from the OIG: We're watching your contracts. If you pay coding or billing c... Read more
Coding 101:
Late Effects Require Two Codes - Most Of The Time
Hint: CVA is an exception. If you don't understand late effects coding, you could be creat... Read more
Coding How-To:
Improve Your Late Effects Coding
Focus first on these 6 strategies. Many providers are improperly coding late effects as ac... Read more
Coding Update:
Here Come 2005 Mid-year Coding Changes - April Fools
Do you wish you could stop worrying about new codes at least until next fall?Agencies worr... Read more
Coding Coach:
Last Digits Help Deflect Denials
Watch out: Payers use your coding shortcuts as a red flag to deny claims. Many payers... Read more
Reader Questions
Huber Needle Coding Explained  Question: How would you code the discontinuance of a H... Read more
You Be The Coder ... Osteomyelitis Coding Question
Question: Your new admission is a 69-year-old man with osteomyelitis from a staph aureus i... Read more
Available Years:  2005  2004