RE:
The Doctor I code for leaves her charts open so that I can correct her diagnosis codes. Frequently her codes are not specific. I have had to hide codes on her charts so that she won't pull them again on another visit. She then reviews the encounter after it is coded properly and closes the chart. This takes a little more time, but the charts are much cleaner and they reflect the same codes that are billed.
Hi!
As a coder, you can't "hide" anything from the doctor or anyone. You are a coder and to state that you hides things that could be detrimental to a patient's life... makes me wonder? Why?!
I'm not trying to come hard on you but to be more responsible in how you deal with serious issues. You need to communicate with the doctor and if the Doctor is coding charts incorrectly and you not saying anything. You showing lack of integrity and "hiding things" is highly unprofessional let alone you putting others at risk besides the patients also.
Are you aware that if you are Audited by MediCare and let's say they find anything wrong: Overpayments, Unbundling, Incorrect Coding, Intent to Defraud MediCare( the government), inproper diagnosis and/ or procedures. You can risk be fine, jailed, and even lose your status to work in a hospital who bills MediCare.
I would never hide anything for anyone. I don't care if the Doctor told me too. I would report the Doctor and also leave for a more honest company. I rather be jobless with my integrity than to be employed with dishonesty and deceitfulness.
It just pulled a nerve when I see comments of coders saying that have to hide things as if they are afraid of the doctor to be honest. Don't let no one nor Doctor get you in trouble for withholding any information nor a doctor should be telling you what to code for higher payouts, etc;
The doctor should be sent a "Query" in order to her to be specific with her diagnosis as your company could be missing out on monies if the codes as "unspecified". Not sure if you inpatient or outpatient. But you should have the doctor specify the diagnosis as they would cause your claims to get denied by the insurance company for inproper coding.
** Also per HIPAA Charts are NEVER TO BE LEFT "OPEN"- That is a serious violation of the HIPAA ACTS. Anyone can walk by and read a patients chart whom should not have access to it. Charts should only be access as part of your job such as working on a specific account. **
good luck!