Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths in the U.S. Tonya Chandler, RHIT, examines ICD-10-CM reporting for fentanyl use, overdose, symptoms, and dependence through several coding scenarios.
Surgical osseointegrated bone prostheses have emerged as a popular alternative to hearing aids. Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA, defines how these devices work and how to report implantation, removal, and replacement of these devices in CPT.
Encephalopathy refers to any disease of the brain that alters its function or structure. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBG, breaks down documentation requirements and ICD-10-CM coding for toxic, acute, and chronic encephalopathy.
This article reviews the most common types of external diagnostic cardiology tests, examines relevant CPT coding guidelines, and offers reporting advice from an expert.
CMS introduced the inpatient-only list in 2001 to ensure patients who undergo complex, high-risk surgical procedures receive postoperative monitoring services in an inpatient setting.
Coding audits are often a source of irritation in small and large practices alike. This article covers common misconceptions about the auditing process and offers tips from experts on how to correct them.
Despite increased expansion into outpatient CDI over the past several years, there are plenty of hang-ups that stop people from starting the journey. Though outpatient settings have in some form been reviewed by CDI specialists practically since CDI itself started, this progress remains slow and steady for a reason.
E/M coding guidelines for emergency department services (CPT codes 99281-99285) were recently updated for the first time in decades. Hamilton Lempert, MD, FACEP, CEDC, reviews these changes, along with coding requirements for many other E/M services.
Kathleen M. Romero, MSN, RN, EBP-C, Cynthia Beal, MBA-HCM, BSN, RN, and Renee Pate, MSOL, MSN Ed., RN, CCDS, explain how they implemented a CDI program in their facility’s emergency department and the how establishing this program improved coding accuracy and increased reimbursement.
