Find-A-Code Focus Newsletter

2015 October Items


Reporting Laterality Still Requires Modifiers

October 21, 2015 - By Wyn Staheli
One of the significant coding changes with ICD-10-CM was including laterality within the code itself. This concept should help reduce billing errors and claim denials. Interestingly, CMS issued a statement regarding the reporting of laterality in their provider newsletter (emphas... Read More

Finding Strain and Sprains in ICD-10-CM

October 19, 2015
There has been some confusion on Sprain vs. Strain and how to find them in ICD-10-CM. They are now split in two separate code ranges and Injury is now related to the anatomic location specific to the injury.  It will help to remember the following information when searching for Strains vs. Spr... Read More

New EHR Final Rule

October 19, 2015
There is a new Final Rule scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on October 16, 2015. There are changes to the requirements of the EHR Incentive Program which are aimed to ease the burden on providers. According to an announcement by CMS, some of the "major provisions in the EHR Incentive... Read More

Diabetes Mellitus, Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Documentation

October 19, 2015
The diabetes mellitus codes are combination codes that include the type of diabetes mellitus, the body system affected, and the complications affecting that body system. When documenting diabetes, include the following:   1. Type e.g. Type 1 or Type 2 disease, drug or chemical... Read More

ICD-10-CM Blitz ICD-10-CM Proficiency Assessment Preparation Review

October 16, 2015
Are you getting ready to take the AAPC ICD-10-CM Proficiency Exam? Maybe you're a medical coder that wants to be prepared for the future in your field and know everything you need to know about ICD-10?  This is Alicia Scott, CPC, CPC-I, Educational Director with CCO, and we... Read More

Modifiers - Reimbursement or Informational? Modifier Training

October 14, 2015
Modifiers are used to help describe the encounter, and used to further explain the procedure to the payer. Modifiers will be used if the procedure does not fit or clearly explain the entire encounter.   There are two types of modifiers: Informational modifiers that do not impact reimburseme... Read More

ICD-10 On The Front Lines

October 13, 2015
Now that ICD-10 is underway, results and feedback is showing more people were prepared than they thought. Congratulations! Some of the initial fears have been put aside and our confidence has been restored.  I thought I would share a few tweets: "Well, #ICD10, you scared me more tha... Read More

ICD-10 Understanding Format and Structure

October 09, 2015 - By By: Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
By:  Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS Published: September 17th, 2015 The first three characters of an ICD-10 code designate the category of the diagnosis. The next three characters (characters three through six) correspond to the related etiology (i.e., the cause, set of causes, or manne... Read More

Injuries Documentation

October 09, 2015 - By Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
Injuries Documentation Submitted By:  Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS Published: September 17th, 2015 Last Review/Update:  November 30th, -0001 ICD-9 used separate “E codes” to record external causes of injury. ICD-10 better incorporates these codes and expands sections on poison... Read More

Locating a code in ICD-10-CM

October 09, 2015 - By Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
Locating a code in ICD-10-CM By:  Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS Published: September 17th, 2015 There are three basic steps to locating the correct code in ICD-10  First:       Find the condition in the alphabetic Index  Second:  Verify the code an... Read More

Multiple External Cause Coding Guidelines

October 09, 2015 - By Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
Multiple External Cause Coding Guidelines By:  Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS Published: September 17th, 2015 More than one external cause code is required to fully describe the external cause of an illness or injury. The assignment of external cause codes should be sequenced in the following prio... Read More

No More V-codes Now What? Take a look at V20.2

October 09, 2015 - By Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
No More V-codes Now What? Take a look at V20.2 By:  Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS Published: September 22nd, 2015 V-codes will be a part of the past, you will be using encounter codes with ICD-10-CM. Lets take a look at how you will code V20.2 Routine infant or child health with ICD-10-CM.&... Read More

CMS will begin to apply a negative payment for 2014 PQRS

October 08, 2015 - By Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
CMS will begin to apply a negaitive payment for 2014 PQRS By:  Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS Published: September 29th, 2015 Here we go, CMS will begin to apply a negative payment adjustment to EP’s (Eligible Professionals) that did not participate and satisfactorily report Physician Qual... Read More

ICD-10 Coding Resources and Suggestions

October 08, 2015
ICD-10 Coding Resources and Suggestions By:  Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS Published: October 5th, 2015 ICD-10 is finally here, it is no longer a myth. Here are a few suggestions to help you with ICD-10 and resources available for you. Check out Find-A-Code, if you are not familiar with this on-... Read More

ICD-10 Coding Resources and Suggestions

October 06, 2015
ICD-10 is finally here, it is no longer a myth. Here are a few suggestions to help you with ICD-10 and resources available for you. Check out Find-A-Code, if you are not familiar with this on-line tool, you will quickly find this to be your most valuable resource during your transition and aft... Read More

Reporting Laterality Still Requires Modifiers

October 06, 2015
One of the significant coding changes with ICD-10-CM was including laterality within the code itself. This concept should help reduce billing errors and claim denials. Interestingly, CMS issued a statement regarding the reporting of laterality in their provider newsletter (emphas... Read More

ICD-10 Locating the Codes

October 02, 2015
Welcome ICD-10! It is finally here, Now what? For all of our customers we want to offer some Mapping Instructions, and show you how to locate the correct code ICD-10 Codes with Find-A-Code and InstaCodeInstitute’s resources. Be sure you understand the structure of ICD-10 and what a complete c... Read More

Body Mass Index and Calculator Tool

October 02, 2015
Body mass index (BMI) is used as a screening tool to a measure of a persons weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.  With an individual’s body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher Obesity is diagnosed. Category BMI Underweight Below 18.5... Read More

ICD-10-CM 7th Character And How It Is Used

October 02, 2015
The use of the 7th character used in certain chapters (e.g., Obstetrics, Injury, Musculoskeletal, and External Cause chapters).  However,  it is not used in every chapter and may have a different meaning depending on the section where it is being used.  One thing t... Read More

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