Author: Zeisset, Ann M.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: March 2007

New codes for generalized pain, central pain syndrome, and postoperative pain were approved for ICD-9-CM in FY 2007 and went into effect October 1, 2006. Previously codes for pain were found in the body system chapters and the symptom chapters. A new category was created in the nervous sys....

Author: Arner, Kathy

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: February 2007

Coding for facility and professional services on the same encounter can be confusing. This article outlines the differences in guidelines between the two coding types.

The Setting Factor


Over and over, coding professionals have been tol....

Author: Wiedemann, Lou Ann; Zeisset, Ann M.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: February 2007

A number of changes to the current CPT codes took effect on January 1, 2007. These changes affect categories I, II, and III codes, with a total of 258 additions, 308 deletions, and 79 revisions. A summary of all additions, deletions, and revisions can be found in appendix B of the 2007 C....

Author: Hoag, Patience J.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: January 2007

These days, cost control, efficiency of care, and quality outcomes are hot topics in every healthcare setting. One way to achieve quality outcomes and cost-efficient healthcare is through performance measures. This article provides a brief overview of HEDIS® and other performance measures....

Author: Bowman, Sue E

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: January 2007

Reporting option “U” should not be routinely assigned and should be used in very limited circumstances. Coding professionals should query the provider when the documentation is unclear.
Medical record documentation from any provider involved in the care and treatment of the patient may be u....

Author: Johnson, Laurie M.; Garrett, Gail S.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: November 2006

The Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) final rule for fiscal year 2007 will prove challenging for inpatient providers. The rule (published in the August 18 Federal Register and available at www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a060818c.html) includes some of the most comprehensive changes....

Author: Peter, Karla R.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: November 2006

Incorrect coding of consultative services can cost the healthcare industry and organizations dearly. In March the Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced that approximately 75 percent of evaluation and management (E/M) services billed in 2001 as consultative and allowed by Medicare did n....

Author: Blevins, Ida K.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: October 2006

Home health agencies are required to use the ICD-9-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting for Medicare Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) reporting for MO230 (principal/primary listed diagnosis) and MO240a–MO240f (secondary/additional diagnoses). The stipulation too....

Author: Bronnert, June

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: October 2006

While science and research have shed light on the various stages of fetal development, the process is still fascinating. This article details each month of a fetus’s development and reviews common delivery complications and where related information may be documented in the record.
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Author: Bronnert, June

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes | Journal of AHIMA

Publication Date: September 2006

Patients or residents are admitted to long-term care (LTC) facilities for a variety of reasons. While there, many receive some type of therapy, from physical to speech, during their stay. This article reviews the various procedures that may be provided to a resident at an LTC facility as well....