Author: DeVault, Kathryn; Easterling, Sharon; Huey, Kim

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

Publication Date: January 2017

In the current era of healthcare transformation, the continuing importance of documentation and coding cannot be overstated. With the multitude of acronyms being added to the healthcare vocabulary, one may wonder where documentation and coding fits in. It’s important to remember that....

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Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: October 2001

Author:

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: October 2001

Author: Kennedy, James S.; Stanfill, Mary H

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: July 2003

HIM professionals serve a vital public health role as they capture and report illnesses, including the newly discovered Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Accurate reporting of SARS and its comorbid or complicating conditions facilitates optimal disease tracking, use of resources, and p....

Author: Prophet-Bowman, Sue

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: May 2003

Sepsis, severe sepsis, SIRS, and septic shock have long been a source of confusion for coders. New ICD-9-CM codes established recently for Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), and additional proposed code revisions have added to the confusion regarding the differentiation among these....

Author: Kulanko, Jill

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

Publication Date: September 2015

Sepsis is arguably the most challenging condition to code correctly in ICD-9-CM. The condition itself is complex and the definitions regarding sepsis, SIRS, and severe sepsis have evolved over time, keeping coders on their toes. The guidelines are also difficult to understand. Complicatin....

Author: Mills, Sharon

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: February 2000

Hospital leaders who truly understand the challenge of achieving high-quality coding and are willing to commit resources to promote continuous quality improvement can be difficult to find. However, four years ago, visionary leaders in a not-for-profit healthcare system recognized that....

Author: DeVault, Kathryn

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

Publication Date: April 2015

With just six months until the implementation of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS, now is the time for HIM professionals to re-evaluate the state of their facility’s implementation plan and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a successful transition. Previous delays may have slowed down....

Author: Giannangelo, Kathy; Berkowitz, Lyle

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: April 2005

With the advent of electronic health record (EHR) systems, IT solutions are needed to ease the recording of standard codes for clinical encounters. The basis for these products is a standard terminology, without which the full benefits of an EHR are unlikely to be realized. One expert notes th....

Author: Kostick, Karen M.

Source: Journal of AHIMA - Coding Notes

Publication Date: October 2012

The use of many distinct standardized clinical vocabulary terminologies and classifications is integral to the development of a nationwide health IT infrastructure that allows for electronic use and exchange of health information. SNOMED CT is one of the key clinical terminologies designated f....