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Home Health ICD-9/ICD-10 Alert

ICD-10 Update:
Are Your ICD-10 Preparations on Track?
Learn four things you can do now to ease your ICD-10 transition.The official ICD-10 implem... Read more
Know These ICD-10 Dates:
Know These ICD-10 Dates:
You may want to order a 2013 ICD-9 manual after all.You know that the ICD-10 implementatio... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
M1024 Change Comments Illustrate Dire Consequences
Look for $200 less per episode if proposed rule is passed.Proposed changes to M1024 -... Read more
Prepare for Major Case Mix Changes if these Diagnoses Get the Axe
Will case mix points for resolved conditions become a thing of the past?Home health provid... Read more
Reader Question:
Break Down MVA Fracture Coding
Question: Our new Medicare home health patient has exhausted all auto insurance benefits. ... Read more
Reader Question:
Look for Greater Specifics with ICD-10 Cancer Codes
Question: How should we code malignant breast cancer with metastasis to liver and bone?Ten... Read more
Reader Question:
Determine When Cellulitis Comes First
Question: Our patient has cellulitis of the foot with an open wound caused by swelling and... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Be Thorough with Diabetic Manifestations
Question: Our patient has diabetic ulcers on her toes. The left toe has acute osteomyeliti... Read more
Coding How-To:
Let 3 Rules Guide Your Coding for Surgical Wounds
Aftercare doesn't always need to be listed as the principal diagnosis.When it comes to sur... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
New Implementation Date: Move Ahead with Your ICD-10 Preparations
CMS announces one-year delay to new diagnosis coding set.If your ICD-10 preparations have ... Read more
Hospice Coding:
Prepare to Amp Up Hospice Coding or Pay the Price
The future of your hospice reimbursement depends on the diagnoses you code.You're used to ... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Discover How to Navigate Your ICD-10-CM Manual -- Don't Miss These Subtle Differences
Watch Injury/Poisoning codes and E codes transform. The Centers for Medicare & Medicai... Read more
Reader Question:
Determine Codes for Abscess Assessment
Question: A patient had a drainage catheter placed three days ago for a postoperative subh... Read more
Reader Question:
Know What's Coming for ICD-9 2013
Question: Are there any ICD-9-CM updates planned for 2013?Iowa SubscriberAnswer: No ICD-9-... Read more
Reader Question:
Two Burns Can Mean Three Codes
Question: We are providing physical therapy for gait training for a patient who also has a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Query Physician with Signs of Delayed Healing
Question: Your patient had a total knee replacement on 5/1/12. The OASIS Assessment comple... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
PPS 2013: Prepare for These Crushing Case Mix Changes
Will you take a hit on resolved diagnoses? While home health agencies may have been happy... Read more
PPS 2013:
Watch for Grouper Change with Certain Case Mix Categories in Proposed Rule
Software changes are on the horizon for home health. The Centers for Medicare & Medic... Read more
Check These V Codes Approved for Use with M1024
The following V codes are included in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' l... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Don't Slow Down on ICD-10 Preparations, CMS Warns
Does your impact assessment cover all the bases? Healthcare providers across the country ... Read more
Education:
Get Vital Coding Training To Safeguard Your Reimbursement, Compliance Record
Plus: Get a jump on the anticipated hospice coding crackdown. You can receive vital in... Read more
Reader Question:
Look to Complications Code for Post-Surgical Peritonitis
Question: Our patient had a routine colonoscopy and two hours later was admitted to the h... Read more
Reader Question:
Follow this Rule for Post-Pancreas-Transplant Diabetic Manifestations
Question: How should we code peripheral polyneuropathy which was caused by a patient's di... Read more
Reader Question:
Dig Deep for Infected Hematoma Code
Question: Our patient fell in a pool three weeks ago. She hit her shin on the pool deck r... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Take a Closer Look at Healing for Surgical Wound Coding Accuracy
Question: Our patient had a total knee replacement on 5/1/12. The OASIS Assessment comple... Read more
Coding How-To:
Unlock Case Mix Points for Heart Failure due to HTN
Your key: Look for the link before listing 402.x.When a patient has both hypertension and ... Read more
ICD-10 News:
Will We Go Straight to ICD-11?
Physicians' group considers leap-frogging over ICD-10.If you've been dreading the switch t... Read more
Tool:
Keep Tabs on Case Mix Variables with this Chart
See at a glance which diagnoses, OASIS answers earn points.It's not easy to calculate case... Read more
Coding 101:
V Codes Help You Ace Resolved Condition Reporting
Mind your sequencing or risk reimbursement.In general, reporting a resolved condition is a... Read more
Reader Question:
Follow Coding Rules with Infected Knee Replacement
Question: Our patient had a total knee replacement (TKR) due to osteoarthritis, and went t... Read more
Reader Question:
Know the Meaning of 'Localized' for OA
Question: We have a major discussion going on at our agency concerning the use of code 715... Read more
Reader Question:
Pick the Right Pressure Ulcer Code for Ischial Tuberosity
Question: There has been disagreement in the homecare coding community regarding ischial t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Secure Case Mix Points for Amputation Aftercare
Question: We are providing aftercare for a patient following the below knee amputation of ... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
Is Your Heart Failure Coding Flatlining Your Reimbursement?
Don't over-code for heart disease symptoms.Congestive heart failure code 428.0 is one of h... Read more
ICD-10 Coding Update:
Expect an Easy Transition to ICD-10 Heart Failure Coding
Change: CHF is now unspecified heart failure.When you leaf through your ICD-10 coding manu... Read more
ICD-10 News:
Will You Be Waiting Until 2015 for ICD-10?
Commenters divided on proposed delay.Home health coders aren't alone in having strong feel... Read more
Coding Tip:
Check Out This Update on V54.82 and V88.2x Codes
Welcome more specific coding for joint prosthesis explantation.Confused about when it's ap... Read more
Medical Review:
Bolster Documentation to Keep Long-Stay HTN Claims Secure
Do you know which OASIS data items can help you prevent HTN denials?If you're listing an u... Read more
Reader Question:
Mind the Notes with Infections, Ulcers
Question: Our new patient was admitted for wound care due to external disruption of a surg... Read more
Reader Question:
Uncontrolled HTN Doesn't Equal Malignant
Question: The physician documents that our patient's hypertension is "uncontrolled." Shoul... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Watch Sequencing with Parkinson's Dementia
Question: Our patient was admitted for skilled nursing and physical therapy to address an ... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
Spot Check Your CAD Coding or Risk Case Mix Points
Keep track of CABG status to find the right CAD code. Most codes in the 414.x (Other form... Read more
ICD-10:
Look for Angina Pectoris Details When Coding CAD in ICD-10
Work with clinicians to capture the specific type of chest pain. When you begin using ICD... Read more
Coding 101:
Add Greater Detail with These Essential V Codes
Warning: Don't confuse 'status' and 'attention to' V codes. Home health coders and V code... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
CMS Proposes One-Year Delay for ICD-10
Don't slow down your preparations, experts advise. Have you been waiting and wondering ho... Read more
Reader Question:
Consider Care Before Listing Symptom Codes
Question: I've heard it said that you should list a symptom code when the definitive diag... Read more
Reader Question:
Mind the Documentation with Left and Right Lung Cancer
Question: Our new patient has lung cancer. The physician document states that he has a pr... Read more
Reader Question:
Get Codes in Order for Osteomyelitis
Question: Our patient fell and broke his hip. He also has type II diabetes. While recover... Read more
Reader Question:
Read Thoroughly for Infection Instructions
Question: We are providing aftercare following our patient's recent knee joint replacemen... Read more
Reader Question:
Gain Case Mix Points for Pathologic Fracture
Question: Our patient fell and was hospitalized for a lumbar compression fracture. She al... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Hone in on Sequencing for Adverse Effects
Question: Our patient had two medication bottles, one labeled "Digoxin" and the other lab... Read more
Coding How-To:
Avoid Common Aftercare Coding Mistakes with 3 Tips
Look to the cause: The same surgery could be coded with two different aftercare codes. Al... Read more
Coding 101:
Keep Manifestations in Order or Risk Coding Accuracy
Know these index cues to find the right manifestation code. An update to the Home Health ... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Master ICD-10 Manifestation Coding
Welcome these diabetic manifestation coding changes. You'll be happy to learn that the gu... Read more
ICD-10 News:
Stay the Course with ICD-10 Preparations
Delay could prove more costly than continuing with the current implementation deadline. T... Read more
Reader Question:
Mind the Guidelines for Urosepsis
Question: When a patient has the diagnosis "urosepsis," should we code for it as a urinar... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose Aftercare Or Late Effect For Burn Patient?
Question: We are caring for a patient was burned extensively a year ago on her chest, arm... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Use Additional Code for Wandering with Alzheimer's
Question: Our new patient was admitted for management of congestive heart failure (CHF) a... Read more
Coding 101:
Zero In On Etiology, Behavior Notes for Accurate Dementia Coding
Mind your sequencing with 294.1x. A dementia diagnosis can impact the care you provide, a... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Hurry Up and Wait: HHS Confirms ICD-10 Postponement
Delay could offer additional time to prepare for new diagnosis coding system. As of three... Read more
Tool:
Master Aftercare Code Selection with this Handy List
Never list an acute fracture code in M1020. When you're providing routine aftercare, you'... Read more
Test Yourself:
Try Your Hand at These Dementia Coding Scenarios
Which codes would you choose for these patients? Make your selections before reading on t... Read more
Reader Question:
Watch for New Anemia Guidelines in ICD-10
Question: I read an article that said ICD-10 guidelines for anemia/neoplasm coding differ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Don't Let Software Code Hypertension for You
Question: Our new software package is pushing us to list hypertension as the primary diag... Read more
Coding How-To:
Don't Let Symptoms Trip up Your Therapy Coding
Hint: Uncover the pathology for more accurate diagnoses. Your therapists may be providing... Read more
Coding 101:
Looking to Boost Coding Accuracy? Here's How to Get the Clinical Documentation You Need
Are your agency's coding practices non-compliant? The documentation you receive from your... Read more
Make Changes By The Book
Be sure the assessing clinician approves any changes, additions, or deletions to the list... Read more
Clip-&-Save:
Try This Coding Worksheet to Streamline Communication
Tool helps you get all the information you need for accurate code assignment. Setting a s... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Now's the Time to Preview the New ICD-10 Codes for 2012
You may not be familiar with the ICD-10 code set yet, but you can keep an eye on how it's... Read more
Reader Question:
Hold Off on Reporting ICD-10 Codes
Question: I'm writing to find out whether many of your subscribers have started reporting... Read more
Reader Question:
Identify The Appropriate Complications
Question: Our patient has returned home after a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) for c... Read more
Reader Question:
Take These Steps When Coding and OASIS Conflict
Question: Our patient was hit by a metal swing and suffered a deep laceration to his lowe... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Tackle This Late Effects Scenario
Question: Our new patient is receiving physical therapy only following an acute CVA with ... Read more
Coding How-To:
Watch Out for This Vision Coding Trap
Don't be blinded by available case mix points. You can earn valuable case mix points when... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Be on the Lookout for Streamlined Visual Impairment Coding in ICD-10
Watch for new sequencing instructions. While the enormity of making the transition to ICD... Read more
Coding Procedures:
Include 6 Essential Components for a Top-Notch Dx Coding Policy
Try a self-audit to prevent costly coding errors. Creating an ICD-9 coding policy can hel... Read more
Case Mix Update:
Watch for These Case Mix Additions and Deletions
Welcome back points for new dementia codes. The loss of case mix points for hypertension ... Read more
ICD-10 News:
Watch for Coverage Decisions with ICD-10 Codes
Plus: Medicaid contractors are working to meet ICD-10 deadline. The Centers for Medicare ... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Close the Door on Ulcer Coding
Question: I know that OASIS item guidelines require us to report closed stage III and IV ... Read more
Reader Question:
Locate These Resources for OASIS Coding Practices
Question: Can you point me to any resources that provide information on properly correcti... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know Your Sequencing for CVA Late Effects
Question: Our new patient was referred for care following a recent cerebrovascular accide... Read more
Coding 101:
Take the Pain Out of Pain Coding With These Tips
Not every patient with severe pain needs a pain diagnosis code. Your patient's OASIS ass... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
G89.- Family Expands Your Chronic, Acute Pain Options
Hint: One-to-one cross from ICD-9 eases transition. When ICD-10 goes into effect in Octob... Read more
Coding How-To:
Connect the Dots to Keep Your Therapy Reimbursement Flowing
Make certain therapy-related diagnosis codes are supported by OASIS functional items. The... Read more
Conquering Case Mix:
Time to Give Your Hypertension Coding a Check-Up
Take care not to get caught in this upcoding trap. It's official -- as of the first ... Read more
Reader Question:
Get to Know Skin Cancer Changes
Question: Our new patient has a squamous cell carcinoma on her shoulder. Which diagnosis ... Read more
Reader Question:
Confirm Link Before Reporting Hypertensive Heart Disease
Question: Our new patient has chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage III, congestive heart fa... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose the Right Aftercare Code for Joint Replacement
Question: My patient had a complication of his knee replacement which was done in 2001. A... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nail Down Flu Codes
Question: Our patient has influenza due to identified novel influenza A virus with pneumo... Read more
Coding How-To:
Take 3 Tips to Perfect Your Trauma Aftercare Coding
Know when not to list a V code. Coding for patients recovering from trauma can be confusi... Read more
ICD-9 2012:
Nix these Diagnosis Codes or Risk Delays and Denials
You've boned up on the new and revised 2012 ICD-9 codes, but do you know which codes are ... Read more
ICD-10:
ICD-10: Prepare for ICD-10 Conversion With 3 Simple Tips
Know your anatomy and physiology if you want a quick transition. It's not too early to st... Read more
Clip and Save:
Use this Handy Tool to Learn Your Way around the ICD-10 Manual
These memory tricks will give your navigation a boost. After years of using your ICD-9 ma... Read more
Reader Question:
Read the Notes for Arteriosclerotic Ulcer Sequencing
Question: Our new patient has an ulcer of the ankle due to atherosclerosis, essential hyp... Read more
Reader Question:
Keep Diabetic Manifestations in Order
Question: Our new patient has diabetic chronic kidney disease and anemia. These condition... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Choose Comorbidity Sequence with Care
Question: Our patient was admitted for aftercare following a coronary artery bypass graft... Read more
Available Years:  2012  2011  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006  2005  2004