Q&A: Chargemaster and HIM coding

Q. What is the relationship between chargemaster and HIM coding?

A. A key responsibility of the chargemaster coordinator is to understand the scope and process for HIM coding of accounts and how they utilize the chargemaster information in their abstract system. Typically, there are at least two types of coding abstracts defined in an AR system for the coders to enter and/or validate information. When an account qualifies for coding, then the abstract that presents to the coder reflects the type of account. All abstracts contain the demographic information about the patient, payer and financial class, admission source, and discharge disposition, as well as presenting fields for the coder to input ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. Diagnosis codes are further differentiated by principal diagnosis, admitting diagnosis, secondary diagnoses, and up to three reason-for-visit codes to explain presenting signs and symptoms for emergent, urgent, and trauma cases.

For more information, see The Chargemaster Essentials Toolkit.

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