Study examines CAC impact on inpatient coding time, ­accuracy, and precision

November 1, 2013
HIM Briefings

Using a credentialed coder with computer-assisted coding (CAC) can ­increase coder productivity and lead to more accurate inpatient ­coding than ­using CAC alone, according to a study conducted by the AHIMA ­Foundation in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic and 3M Health ­Information Systems.

Documentation and query strategies for ­sepsis coding

November 1, 2013
HIM Briefings

Coding for sepsis is often easier said than done. Obstacles range from difficulty distinguishing between documentation for sepsis and related conditions to trouble with physician queries.

The 2014 IPPS final rule: A closer look at ­inpatient status criteria

November 1, 2013
HIM Briefings

Editor's note: This is the first in a two-part series that analyzes the 2014 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) final rule. This month we discuss the final rule's impact on inpatient status criteria. We will address quality-of-care changes in the next issue of MRB.

Wrapping up your 2013 ICD-10 timeline

November 1, 2013
HIM Briefings

Time is of the essence. With less than a year until the ICD-10 deadline, there are many items that organizations need to cross off their checklists as we get ready to go live. Unfortunately, organizations aren't all in the same place when it comes to ICD-10 readiness.

HIPAA Q&A: Photographing patients, ­gossip between employees

November 1, 2013
HIM Briefings

Q . Is it permissible to take pictures of patients (including behavioral health) for identification purposes as a part of the registration process? Do the patients need to sign a consent form before their picture can be taken?