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Home Health ICD-9/ICD-10 Alert

ICD-9 2012:
Don't Let Case Mix Changes Catch You Off Guard with 2012 ICD-9 Updates
New neoplasm codes don't make the grade. The 2012 ICD-9 updates brought a plethora of chan... Read more
Coding How-To:
Practice Correct Coding for All Patients or Risk Future Reimbursement
Good coding practices know no payer bounds. Have you ever been told that because Medicaid... Read more
Coding 101:
Nail Adverse Effects Reporting With E Codes
Hint: List three codes for poisonings. Fact: Reporting E codes isn't always optional in h... Read more
ICD-10:
Expand External Cause Reporting with ICD-10
When ICD-10 debuts in 2013, you'll have broader bandwidth for describing the external caus... Read more
Coding Guidelines:
Master Adverse Effects Coding with the Table of Drugs and Chemicals
To code correctly for the adverse effects of a drug prescribed and taken correctly, you mu... Read more
Reader Question:
Get the Scoop on Hypoglycemia
Question: We have a question regarding the use of 250.80 (Diabetes with other specified m... Read more
Reader Question:
Look to V57.x Codes for Therapy-Only
Question: Our new patient has the following diagnoses: lumbosacral spondylosis, lumbar sp... Read more
Reader Question:
Gather Details for Pneumonia Diagnosis
Question: Our patient is diagnosed with "multilobar pneumonia." Which ICD-9 code should I... Read more
Reader Question:
List 5 Digits with 948.xx Burn Codes
Question: When coding for burns, how many diagnosis codes do I need to report? When shoul... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Try Your Hand at Coding Drug-Induced Pancytopenia
Question: We have been providing Methotrexate injections for our patient's rheumatoid art... Read more
Coding How-To:
3 Steps Streamline Your M1020 and M1022 Sequencing Challenges
Don't base principal diagnosis on number of visits by discipline. Understanding which diag... Read more
Clip and Save:
Track Diagnosis Case Mix Points with This Chart
After the 2008 PPS revamp, figuring out the impact of listing a case mix diagnosis in M102... Read more
ICD-9 2012:
Prepare for New V-Codes, Complication Codes and More
New guidelines warn against coding complications "just because." It's the last hurrah for... Read more
Check Your Readiness for the 2012 ICD-9 Update
Each year the ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee along with the Cooperating ... Read more
Education:
Ready to Master Risk Adjustment and Wound Coding? Here's How.
Check out upcoming Eli audioconferences on risk adjustment and diagnosis coding in OASIS... Read more
Reader Question:
Look to Aftercare for Whipple
Question: Our patient had a Whipple procedure to treat pancreatic cancer located in the h... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose the Right Surgical Wound Complication Code
Question: Our patient is home after a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) for coronary at... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Try Your Hand at This Cancer Coding Scenario
Question: Our patient has ovarian cancer and is receiving chemotherapy at her doctor... Read more
ICD-9 2012:
Welcome New Detail for Late Effects, Glaucoma, and Cardio Codes
Don't forget to update your memory loss coding practices. With 166 new codes coming your ... Read more
Coding How-To:
Read the Notes to Avoid Mistakes with New Late Effect and Wandering Codes
Hint: Not all behavioral disturbances are aggressive. Now that you've looked over the list... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
Case Mix Change: It's Time to Fine-tune Your Hypertension Coding
Use of 401.9 more than doubled in last five years. It's time to prepare for a big change ... Read more
ICD-9/ICD-10 Crosswalk
Look for Simpler Hypertension Coding in ICD-10 Coding for hypertension in ICD-10 remains ... Read more
Reader Question:
List Symptom Codes to Provide Greater Aftercare Detail
Question: Is it appropriate to report a code for gait abnormality when we are providing a... Read more
Reader Question:
Keep Case Mix Dates in Mind
Question: The new ICD-9 codes go into effect Oct. 1, but the payment changes take effect ... Read more
Reader Question:
Watch for Pancytopenia Update
Question: How should we code pancytopenia in a patient undergoing chemo for acute myeloge... Read more
Reader Question:
Know Which Infection Guideline Takes Precedence
Question: Reading the chapter notes included in my coding manual, it appears that not all... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Watch Your Sequencing with Stroke Late Effects
Question: Our patient was admitted to home health for physical therapy and occupational t... Read more
ICD-9 2012:
Prepare for a Slew of New Case Mix Codes
Welcome improved dementia reporting. If you thought the 2012 ICD-9 updates would be minim... Read more
Tool:
Checklist Helps You Prep Now for 2012 ICD-9 Updates
Don't get caught empty-handed -- order your new coding manuals now. You know ICD-9 c... Read more
Coding How To:
Clear Up Your Pressure Ulcer Coding Confusion With This Advice
Hint: Always code stage 3 and 4 pressure ulcers. Coding correctly for pressure ulcers can ... Read more
ICD-9/ICD-10 Crosswalk:
Welcome Laterality and All-Inclusive Stage and Site Pressure Ulcer Codes in ICD-10
More codes don't make pressure ulcer coding more complicated. In ICD-9, to code for a pre... Read more
ICD-10 Preparation:
Don't Miss these Answers to Your Most Pressing ICD-10 Questions
2011 brings the last major ICD-9 update. If the coming transition to ICD-10 has you brimm... Read more
Clip and Save:
Manage OASIS-C, Diagnosis Coding Pressure Ulcer Conflicts
Do you know when a grafted pressure ulcer becomes a surgical wound? OASIS-C logic and ICD... Read more
Reader Question:
Turn to These Resources for Coding Guidance
Question: For those of us who do not have access to the American Hospital Association's C... Read more
Reader Question:
Keep Your Heart with Pacemaker Coding
Question: We are caring for a patient who has come home from the hospital with a new pace... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Solve This Pressure Ulcer Puzzle
Question: Our patient has a stage 3 pressure ulcer on his right buttock, a stage 2 pressu... Read more
Coding How-To:
Avoid These V Code Errors and Keep Your Reimbursement Accurate
Watch your sequencing or pay the price. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ... Read more
ICD-10:
Watch for Two Kinds of 'Excludes' in ICD-10 Aftercare Codes
New notes clear up blurred exclusion instructions. While many coding conventions will rema... Read more
Coding 101:
Sequencing Secrets Help You Code Late Effects with Ease
Late effect of CVA turns guidelines upside down. Unsure of when and how to report a late e... Read more
Look to Sub-terms for Late Effects
Mistake: You won't find what you need to code a late effect if you search under "syndrome... Read more
Education:
Need to Brush Up On Late Effects and Risk Adjustment? We've Made it Easy
Check out upcoming Eli audioconferences on late effects coding and the impact of risk ad... Read more
Reader Question:
Cover Hypothyroidism with Graves Disease Code
Question: What is the proper way to code a patient who was diagnosed with and treated wit... Read more
Reader Question:
Look to Aftercare for Joint Revision
Question: Our patient had aseptic loosening of the tibial component of his knee replaceme... Read more
Reader Question:
Know When to List Additional Codes
Question: What is the proper interpretation of the "use additional code to identify cereb... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Test Your V code Expertise
Question: Think you have V codes down pat? Try coding these scenarios from Shirley Kucire... Read more
Coding 101:
Vanquish These 7 Common Errors to Perfect Your Diabetes Coding
Can Type II diabetics have diabetic cataracts? Are you falling prey to diabetes coding mi... Read more
ICD-10 Transition:
Unravel These ICD-10 Myths to Jump Start Your Transition
Contrary to popular opinion, the ICD-10 diagnosis code set will not be more difficult to... Read more
Don't Let This ICD-10 Crosswalk Quirk Trip You Up -- Bone Up On Osteoarthrosis Coding
Hint: Specifics like unilateral, bilateral, and post-traumatic will help you nail this di... Read more
ICD-9 2012:
ICD-9-CM Committee Considers New Diagnoses for Pneumonia, Malnutrition, and More
Get a jump on the 2012 ICD-9 update with these highlights. October 1 might sound far away... Read more
Education:
Close Your Knowledge Gap On OASIS C, Late Effects And More
Check out upcoming Eli audioconferences on therapy, late effects, and risk adjustment. ... Read more
OASIS:
Drop M1012 From Your OASIS Worry List
Plus: Watch for OASIS-C-based reports and outcomes to go public this summer. The list of ... Read more
Reader Questions:
V10.xx: Look to History Codes for Colon Cancer
Question: We have a patient who had a colon resection for cancer over six months ago. Two... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get the Final Word on Liver Disease Conundrum
Question: I have a question that has puzzled me for some time. What is the correct way to... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Look to Combination Code for Asthma, COPD
Question: Our new patient was treated by her primary care physician for an acute exacerba... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
M1024: Watch For Changes in Case Mix Calculation
Does your software need a tune-up? Since Home Health PPS adopted the four equation case m... Read more
M1024:
Shed Some Light on Risk Adjustment Grey Area
Must you sacrifice risk adjustment to CMS' letter of the law? At one time, there was an O... Read more
Coding How To:
Safeguard Your Therapy Claims With OASIS Cross-Checks
It's up to you to 'connect the dots' between documentation and coding. Your therapy claim... Read more
Coding 101:
Master Pneumonia Coding with These Expert Tips
Gather specifics by double-checking documentation. Do you know all the information you ne... Read more
Breathe Easy When Coding Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
Wondering which code to list for hospital-acquired pneumonia? There is no specific code f... Read more
ICD-10:
ICD-10 Replaces 486 for Unspecified Pneumonia With J18.9
You have two years left to prepare for the diagnosis coding shift. When coding for a pati... Read more
Reader Questions:
403.xx: Base Fifth Digit for Hypertensive Kidney Disease on Stage
Question: How should we code for a patient with renal sclerosis due to hypertension? Mass... Read more
Reader Questions:
716.16/905.4: Avoid V Code for Arthritis with Fracture History
Question: Our patient has early post traumatic arthritis and early degenerative joint dis... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Look to Guidelines for Ulcer Coding Answers
Question: Our patient has multiple diabetic ulcers on the toes, diabetic retinopathy and ... Read more
Coding Case Study:
Check the Record for Nonroutine Supply Point Details
The original SOC isn't always the last word in coding. One way you can be sure to ethical... Read more
Nonroutine Medical Supplies (NRS):
Case-Mix Adjustment Variables and Point Scores
This table, formerly Table 10A of the final PPS rules (CMS-1541-FC), shows how nonroutine... Read more
ICD-10:
List Seven Digits for Infected Surgical Wounds, Come 2013
Know which seventh digit is generally off-limits for home health. When ICD-9 becomes ICD-1... Read more
Coding 101:
Review Guidelines for Accurate Sepsis Sequencing
Do you know the key difference between sepsis and septicemia? "I have seen examples where ... Read more
Tool:
Check Out these Diagnosis Crosswalks To Smooth Your ICD-10 Transition
New code set provides greater specificity and includes 2011 diagnoses. To help ease your ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ask for Details to Code Hypertension with Precision
Question: Our patient has chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage III, congestive heart failur... Read more
Reader Questions:
716.16, 905.4: Opt for 716.16/905.4 Combo Over V Code
Question: A patient has early post traumatic arthritis and early degenerative joint disea... Read more
Reader Questions:
V10: List V10 When Patient Has Cancer History
Question: We have a patient who had a colon resection for cancer over six months ago. Two... Read more
Reader Questions:
Unspecified Codes Raise Specific Questions
Question: I'm concerned that our agency is overusing unspecified codes. When is it OK to ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Capture Case Mix Points for Amputation Care
Question: We are providing aftercare and dressing changes for a patient following the amp... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
Keep Diagnoses in Order to Maximize Nonroutine Supply Points
Track these seven categories to get the NRS payment you deserve. Nonroutine Medical Suppl... Read more
Coding How-To:
250.xx: Keep Diabetic Manifestations in Order
Do you know when it's safe to list diabetes as primary? Just because a diabetic patient p... Read more
ICD-10:
Don't Wait: Begin Your ICD-10 Transition Now to Stay Ahead of the Game
Four phases set the milestones for your ICD-10 transition. Staying on top of ICD-9 and... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Specific with Respiratory Infections
Question: What is the ICD-9 code for lower respiratory infection? Answer: There is no "ca... Read more
Reader Questions:
787.xx: Get Details for Dysphagia Phases
Question: Our patient has nasopharyngeal carcinoma status post radiation and chemo with s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know the Cause of Enuresis to Choose the Right Code
Question: Could you please explain the difference between: 307.6 (Enuresis [primary] [sec... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Gather Answers to Paint an Accurate Picture of Trauma Patient
Question: Our patient is a 79-year-old man who fell when he was getting out of his car on... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
Bone Up On Widespread Edits to Keep Your Claims Safe
Drop diabetes as principal for non-start of care episodes when CHF is your focus of care.... Read more
Coding 101:
Find Your Way Around Your ICD-9 Manual with these Tips
Hint: Always verify your alphabetic index findings with the tabular list. If you're new t... Read more
ICD-10:
Look for Fewer New Codes as You Prepare for ICD-10
Say goodbye to ICD-9 in 2013. If you've been wondering how you can stay up-to-date on the... Read more
Reader Questions:
780.99, 729.1, 724.2: You'll Need Specifics to Report Chronic Pain
Question: Which diagnosis code should I report for a patient with chronic pain? --New Yor... Read more
Reader Questions:
787.2x: Keep Tabs on Dysphagia
Question: Our new patient has cancer of the esophagus and is on a gastrostomy tube. Shoul... Read more
Reader Questions:
707.xx: Mind Your Sequencing with Ulcers
Question: We are providing wound care for a new patient. He has bilateral pressure ulcers... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Take Heart with this Surgical Aftercare Scenario
Question:Our new patient was admitted for surgical aftercare for a cardiac valve replacem... Read more
Coding How-ToL:
Part 2: Master These Fracture Coding Do's and Don'ts to Keep Your Claims Secure
Pop quiz: When does a condition become a late effect of a fracture? We discussed the firs... Read more
Coding News:
You'll Still Earn Case Mix Points for Hypertension in 2011
It's safe to list HTN as primary; just make certain your documentation is supportive. Back... Read more
Coding 101:
401.x, 402.xx, 403.x: Get a Foundation in Hypertension Coding to Safeguard Your Claims
Tip: Physician documentation determines how specific your hypertension coding can be. The... Read more
Reader Questions:
294.11. 294.8: Read the Fine Print Before Coding Dementia
Question: We have been listing 294.11 and 294.8 when a patient is diagnosed with dementia... Read more
Reader Questions:
038.9, 599.0: Dig for Urosepsis Details
Question: Can I report 038.9 (Unspecified septicemia) for a patient with a diagnosis of "... Read more
Reader Questions:
997.31 Makes Its Way to Respiratory Complications Coding
Question: Our new patient is dependent on a ventilator and has developed pneumonia. Which... Read more
Reader Questions:
Save V Codes for Routine Care
Question: Our new patient has a postoperative infection following an open reduction of a ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code Thoroughly for Burns
Question: Our patient has two burns: a second-degree burn on her right wrist and a first-... Read more
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