Numerous community groups are working to help people stay healthy. Programs that help individuals pay for expensive medications, free health clinics, and support services for chronic illnesses are just a few examples. However, the problem is that the people who need these services often don't know they're available.
The April 1 confirmation of the delay in implementing the ICD-10 code set certainly took the wind out of many healthcare organizations' sails. Those organizations spent countless hours and dollars preparing for the go-live date that was six months away.
Coders have only two options for reporting fractures of the patella in ICD-9-CM, closed (822.0) and open (822.1). In ICD-10-CM, that number will jump to more than 400.
Many of these options are the result of separate codes to denote laterality (right or left) in ICD-10-CM. However, the code set also includes options for specific types of fractures, increasing the importance of clear and accurate provider documentation.
The intent of quality and safety programs is evaluating and monitoring performance and improving results. Organizations develop annual quality and safety plans with measurable objectives that departments adopt and include as integral to their performance improvement plans.
The July quarterly I/OCE update from CMS brought few new APCs or edit updates, but did deliver new modifier -L1. Hospitals will use the new modifier to submit outpatient laboratory tests paid under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) in certain circumstances to claim separate payment.
