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Home Health ICD-9/ICD-10 Alert

Coding How-To:
Don't Get Stymied by Staph Coding Changes
Read the fine print or you may be reporting MSSA when you mean MRSA. As of Oct. 1, there'... Read more
ICD-10:
Providers Welcome ICD-10 But Blast Implementation Schedule
New CMS education tool may help you with the transition. Grappling with the new diagnosis... Read more
OASIS-C:
Brace for More Change with OASIS-C
Heads up: You may need to start listing procedure codes. You've probably settled into a c... Read more
Inservice Education:
Prepare For New Hospice COPs and OASIS-C
Plan now for immediate staff training. Get the latest information on Nursing Home and ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Look for Too Much Documentation for Atherosclerosis
Question: When listing a code from the 440.20-440.29 (Atherosclerosis; of native arteries... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch for 'History of' with DVT
Question: We have a question concerning pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)... Read more
Reader Questions:
When Is It too Late for Aftercare?
Question: Our new patient was referred to home health by a facility. Back in July she fra... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pin Down the Right Cause of Hematoma
Question: We are providing care for an elderly male patient who has a hematoma on his leg... Read more
Reader Questions:
Try These Resources for Proper OASIS Coding Practices
Question: I have been in home health coding for many years and have just recently accepte... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Specifics Make the Difference With Diabetes
Question: What kind of supporting data do I need to assign a Type 2 diabetes code for the... Read more
Coding 101:
Important: Add Staging to Your Pressure Ulcer Coding Process
List only one staging code for ulcers of the same stage. With the 2009 ICD-9 update effec... Read more
Coding How-To:
Welcome Greater Specificity With New Secondary Diabetes Codes
To indicate uncontrolled secondary diabetes, list the consequences. As the 2009 codes wen... Read more
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Discover Home Health's Top 10 New and Revised Codes
Avoid coding the deleted dialysis code. ICD-9 2009 brings 300 new or revised codes. Which... Read more
Edit Alert:
Protect Your Parkinson's Claims From Medical Review
Intermediary denies HHA claims with ICD-9 code 332.x. Home health agencies can't seem to ... Read more
PPS:
CORRECT THIS PPS PROBLEM -- OR PAY THE PRICE
Make sure your coding doesn't give short shrift to the care you provide. Now that you're ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Solve This Diabetic Hypoglycemia Conundrum
Question: I have a patient with diabetic hypoglycemia. When I look this diagnosis up in m... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to Late Effects for CVA
Question: Our patient had a cerebrovascular accident with right-sided hemiparesis. He has... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use the Alphabetic Index to Code Torn Rotator Cuff
Question: We are providing nursing and physical therapy for an elderly patient with a rot... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Over-code for Burns
Question: Our patient was siphoning gasoline which combusted. He suffered third-degree bu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Does Nursing Nix V57.x?
Question: I have a question about the V57.x (Care involving use of rehabilitation procedu... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Check Your MRSA Coding Skills
Question: Our patient had hip joint replacement surgery. The joint has become infected wi... Read more
Coding How-To:
Keep Coding Accurate To Secure Non-Routine Supply Points
A simple sequencing secret could earn you an extra $139.84 in NRS payment. With the 2008 ... Read more
Coding 101:
Gain Case Mix Points For Fracture Care With M0246
Resolved conditions coding rule doesn't apply to M0246. You know that it's not appropriat... Read more
ICD-10:
Get Ready For A Whole New Diagnosis Coding System
ICD will leap from 17,000 to 155,000 codes in 2011. Feeling confident about your diagnosis... Read more
IICD-9 Update:
Keep Your Dates Straight As New ICD-9 Codes Go Into Effect
Are you ready for the new and updated ICD-9 diagnosis codes effective Oct. 1? As you make ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep Your Wits With Cognitive Deficits Coding
Question: Our patient fell from a ladder at home. He was admitted after being discharged ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ditch V Codes With Complications
Question: How should we code for a patient who was referred for care of an abdominal surg... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look To Abnormality Of Gait For Mysterious Falls
Question: We are providing physical therapy for gait training for a patient who is experi... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Conquer These Adverse Effects, Poisoning Scenarios
Question 1: Your patient has Alzheimer's disease with severe dementia and a behavioral di... Read more
Coding How-To:
Learn The 3 Ways To Code for Surgical Wounds With Precision
Aftercare doesn't always need to be listed as the principal diagnosis. When it comes to su... Read more
Coding Processes:
Got OASIS Software Coding Questions? Get Proactive With Your Vendor
Always look to coding guidelines for backup. OASIS data collection software may help make ... Read more
Coding 101:
Follow These 3 Steps To Boost Your Diabetes Coding Accuracy
Hint: Look beyond 250.xx for secondary diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most common diagno... Read more
Inservice Education:
Here's How Your Agency Can Thrive In 2008 And Beyond
Plan now for immediate staff training. Get the latest information on wound diagnoses a... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose The Right Code For Your Patient's TIA
Question: Our new patient has a history of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) with confusio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Gain Risk Adjustment For Fractures
Question: In the "You Be The Coder" scenario you ran in Vol. 5, No.6, you suggested listi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look To Documentation For Diabetic Manifestations
Question: How should I code for a diabetic patient with manifestations of peripheral neur... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Good Judgment With Long-Term Medication Codes
Question: We often see patients who come home from the hospital with urinary tract infect... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Gain Points And Risk Adjustment With Hip Hemiarthroplasty
Question: Our patient fell and broke her hip. At the hospital she underwent left hip hemi... Read more
ICD-9 Update:
Prepare Now For Major Changes To MRSA Coding
Soon you'll be coding for colonization and MSSA, too. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus... Read more
Know The Difference Between Staph aureus Susceptible, Staph aureus Resistant And Staph aureus Colonization
Before you can select the right code, you'll need to understand the difference between MRS... Read more
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See How Staph Aureus Coding Will Change Come October
Look for more steps with MRSA. Once the new ICD-9 codes go into effect Oct. 1, you'll need... Read more
Coding How-To:
Get The Latest On M0246 Q&A
M0246 isn't just for case mix, CMS says. Question: Should we complete M0246 onlywhen a V ... Read more
Inservice Education:
Here's How Your Agency Can Thrive In 2008 And Beyond
Plan now for immediate staff training. Get the latest information on how to survive th... Read more
List Serve Discussion:
Proximate Cause Or Underlying Diagnosis?
Question: Medicare asks us to code the proximate diagnosis first in situations such as wh... Read more
Reader Questions:
Cover Chest Tube With Aftercare
Question: Our patient was hospitalized for a spontaneous pneumothorax and had a chest tub... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Reason For Surgery
Question: We have a new patient with prostate cancer with metastasis to the hip bone. He ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Determine The Cause Before Coding Weakness
Question: How should I report the following scenario: The patient was hospitalized for a ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Jump To Conclusions With Diabetes
Question: One of my colleagues says that any diabetic who has either hyperlipidemia or hy... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look To Guidelines Before Assigning 948
Question: On page 45 of your June 2008 issue, you state "If a patient has no third degree... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand The Rule Of Nines
Category 948 is useful any time there are third degree burns or extensive second degree bu... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Know Your Digits For MI
Question: Our new patient had a non-ST-elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction two weeks... Read more
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Keep These Tables Handy To optimize NRS Billing
Inaccurate coding could cost you hundreds per episode. If your diagnosis coding isn't up t... Read more
Coding 101:
Follow '10 Steps' To Prevent Denied Claims
Find out the first rule for diagnosis coding. Faulty ICD-9 coding can derail your claims a... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Test Your Hypertension Coding Savvy
Know what comes first when coding for hypertension. Coding correctly for a patient with hy... Read more
Inservice Education:
Here's How Your Agency Can Thrive In 2008 And Beyond
Plan now for immediate staff training. Get the latest information on how to survive th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Select The Right Ulcer Code
Question: How would I code for a toe ulcer and PVD? Our patient doesn't have diabetes, bu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know What To List For Diabetic CKD
Question: Our patient has chronic renal failure due to diabetes, CHF, and urinary retenti... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code For Conditions That Impact Care
Question: Our physical therapist went to see a patient for vertigo. The patient also has ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Specific With Hemiplegia
Question: We admitted a patient for physical therapy and occupational therapy after a thr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose The Right Code For Artificial Openings
Question: Is it appropriate to code V58.49 (Other specified aftercare following surgery) ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep Coding Accurate For Recerts
Question: Do our resumes need to be coded as accurately as our admission and recerts? If ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Set For Fracture Coding
Question: Our patient has multiple fractures: wrist, pelvis, nasal, hip and ankle due to ... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Select The Right Codes For Complicated Hip Replacement
Question: Our new patient had hip replacement surgery. The joint has become infected with... Read more
ICD-9 Update:
Prepare For More Complex Coding With Proposed Ulcer And Diabetes ICD-9 Codes
Approved diagnosis codes will be effective Oct. 1. If you've been wishing for a slew of mo... Read more
Coding-How-To:
Avoid Upcoding Blindness And Low Vision, Or Risk Denials
Don't be blinded by case mix points -- documentation is essential for 369.xx codes. Just b... Read more
OASIS Strategies:
Take A Look At These Low Vision Assessment Questions
Ask the right questions to diagnose low vision. OASIS strategies don't require documentati... Read more
Coding 101:
Take 3 Steps To Code Completely For Burns
Don't leave out vital details -- fourth and fifth digits are essential. To accurately code... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn Non-Healing Wound Nuances
Question: Can we use non-healing surgical wound code 998.83 when there is a scab present ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Flesh Out Blood Draw Coding
Question: Which code should we use for blood draws? The nurse does not take the sample to... Read more
Reader Questions:
Score Case Mix Points For Diabetic Ulcer
Question: For a patient with a diabetic ulcer for whom we're doing dressing changes and e... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Capture Fracture Care Details
Question: Our patient fractured his hip and had a hip replacement. We are providing nursi... Read more
Coding 101:
New PPS Guidelines Help Clear UP Your Stroke Coding Confusion
Tip-off: Late effects coding can take more than one code. Getting the case mix points your... Read more
CAse Mix Tip:
Gain Points For Stroke Late Effects
Dysphagia brings more opportunities for case mix points. You may be eligible for case mix ... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Prepare For ICD-10-CM Now And Avoid Future Headaches
New details improve code selection for non-hospital settings. The transition from ICD-9-CM... Read more
PPS:
Boost Supply Reimbursement With Diagnosis Coding Accuracy
Wound staging is not optional if you want proper payment. Your supplies reimbursement may ... Read more
Reader Questions:
How To Handle Diabetic Neuropathic Ulcers
Question: How should we code diabetic neuropathic ulcers? I know how to code diabetic ulc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get To The Bottom Of Weakness With Prostate Cancer
Question: Our new patient has prostate cancer, a PEG tube, and a suprapubic catheter. We ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Quench Your Thirst For Dehydration Knowledge
Question: I'm unsure of when I should code 276.50 (Volume depletion, unspecified) versus ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Overcode For Wound Care
Question: We are providing wound care and IV antibiotic administration for a post-operati... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Which Codes Would You List For Calcanectomy?
Question: Our new patient fell and broke his hip. During his recovery, he developed bilat... Read more
Don't Overlook Co-Morbidities IN Complex Cases
How would you code this cancer scenario? If you've got patients with multiple co-morbidit... Read more
Coding 101:
3 Steps Keep Your Diabetic Neuropathy Coding on the Mark
Know when to list 337.1 versus 357.2 with this guide. Look carefully at your patient's sy... Read more
Compliance:
Intermediary Scrutinizes Parkinson's Claims
Be sure your documentation will back up claims with this red-flag diagnosis. If your Park... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Look For Details When Coding Incontinence
The right code should support care. Not every patient is incontinent for the same reason,... Read more
Education:
Tap These Resources For Vital reimbursement Education
This upcoming Eli audioconferences offers valuable insights on PPS: • Home Health... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know When It's Safe To Assume
Question: A colleague of mine says that ICD-9 allows us to assume a link between diabetes... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rely On These 2 Diabetic Manifestations
Question: Is it true that osteomyelitis and gangrene are the only two conditions you can ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep Codes Current With Rehab
Question: We have a patient who has returned home from the hospital after falling. We are... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Overcode For Pancreatitis
Question: Our new patient has a diagnosis of pancreatitis. Skilled nursing will administe... Read more
Coding 101:
Master M0246 And Maximize Your Case Mix Points
Don't fill up your slots with V codes. Still uncertain about how to make best use of the ... Read more
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Use This Handy M0246 Guide
Optional columns offer case mix opportunities. If you're still getting used to M0246 or i... Read more
Coding Procedures:
Use These 6 Steps To Upgrade Your Coding Policies
Performing this self-audit can help ward off costly coding errors. Creating an ICD-9 codi... Read more
Coding Quiz:
How Well Do You Know Your Relational Terms?
"With" doesn't necessarily indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. When can you assume ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep Abreast Of OASIS Changes
Question: I'm confused about where to indicate surgical procedures and codes on the new O... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Shortchange Yourself With Ulcers
Question: I've noticed that ulcers are now case mix diagnoses. Can I pair an ulcer code w... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stay On Track With Software
Question: On our software, an "etiology" window pops up after I input a V code. I underst... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remove Abscess Coding Confusion
Question: Is it OK to list V58.77 (Aftercare following surgery of the skin and subcutaneo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Strike Out Old Stroke Codes
Question: For a patient with diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident with hemiparesis (hemi... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Code Completely For Physical Therapy
Question: We have a patient who had a total knee replacement (TKR). She had the joint rep... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
Add These 3 Ostomy V Codes To Your Case Mix List
Earn your agency the maximum available points by perfecting your V55.x sequencing. For th... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
Know The Score With Case Mix V Codes
V55.x codes don't belong in M0246. The points you'll receive when reporting case mix code... Read more
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BEWARE THESE PPS Coding SECRETS
V codes and manifestation codes may not work the way you think. If you're looking for all... Read more
Coding Tip:
Don't Let Revised PPS Trip Up Your Diabetic Ulcer Coding
Avoid listing V58.30 as principal. Coding for diabetic ulcers was already confusing and t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make The Connection With Hypertension
Question: What codes would I list for a patient with benign hypertensive chronic kidney d... Read more
Reader Questions:
Clear Up Abscess Confusion
Question: If the physician performed an incision and drainage (I&D) for an abscess, b... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Start Off With Neoplasm Table
Question: When assigning diagnosis codes for patients with cancer, I often have difficult... Read more
Reader Questions:
Let Cause Of Injury Dictate Code Choice
Question: Our new patient recently returned home from the hospital following an accidenta... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid V57.x Overuse
Question: I have been listing the V57.x (Care involving use of rehabilitation procedures)... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Let Your Cat-Bite Coding Skills Out Of The Bag
Question: Our patient has an infected cat bite of the hand. She also has cellulitis, cong... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
Sequencing Takes Center Stage Under Revised PPS
V codes aren't your only sequencing concern. Coding experts agree -- the trickiest thing ... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
Understand The Coding Changes The New Year Brings
Plus some very important things don't change. If you feel as if there are still a million... Read more
Clip and Save:
Quickly Find The Right V Code
Don't end your search with 'Aftercare.' Hunting for V codes in the alphabetic index of yo... Read more
Inservice Education:
Master The Confusing World Of Wound Care Coding
Plus, get 15 percent off your next audioconference. Are you looking for timely topics ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look To V Codes For Resolved Pneumonia
Question: We are caring for an elderly patient following her hospitalization for pneumoni... Read more
Reader Questions:
For Specific Location, Ask Physician
Question: Our patient's medical record includes the following diagnosis: "Chronic suppura... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get A Thorough Assessment Before Coding
Question: How should I code for a patient with the following diagnoses: peripheral vascul... Read more
Reader Questions:
What If There Seem To Be 2 Primary Diagnoses?
Question: One of our patients came to us from the hospital with a pacemaker and total hip... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid This Therapy Error
Question: I recently had a claim denied. Nurses, physical therapists and occupational the... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Know Your V Code Rules
Question: Our patient was admitted for home care following a total abdominal hysterectomy... Read more
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