Condition code 44 has been problematic for hospitals since its inception in 2004 due to CMS’ unclear language, multiple changes to the observation billing rules, and inconsistent guidance.
Care providers accept the general principle that patients have the right to direct their own care, but what if the patient refuses every discharge option you provide and wants to stay in inpatient care indefinitely?
It’s the end of the year, and many of us have been on the fast track to EHRs and EDMS installation, so we pause this month for a little levity and to honor all those working so hard behind the scenes. Happy holidays to all the brave health information professionals continuing to blaze the paths of progress in automated medical record documentation!
Old and inadequate policies and procedures is one of seven shortcomings CMS found in its 2009 audits of healthcare organizations to determine compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule.
