HIM Briefings

CMS’ inpatient-only rule seems simple enough on the surface—certain specified procedures, all noted in the OPPS inpatient-only list, must be performed on an inpatient basis regardless of the patient’s expected length of stay. But as with anything in healthcare, implementing this rule is hardly simple, and many organizations continue to misapply it and lose revenue as a result. Get expert answers to common inpatient-only compliance stumbling blocks.

Starting January 1, 2020, the education and operations testing period will kick off, and organizations will be required to report appropriate use criteria (AUC) consultation information. Learn what you can do now to help your organization prepare to report AUCs in 2020 and beyond.

Use this sample physician query form as a template for your organization.

Ensure inpatient coders get an MS-DRG refresher to perfect code assignment and strengthen reimbursement.

Consider how HIM professionals can use their unique blend of skills to help patients and their families navigate the complexities of healthcare.

Use this updated tool to stay current with Joint Commission surveys and as a reference for EHR documentation requirements.

HIM directors and managers at health systems report annual salaries that outpace those earned by their counterparts at hospitals and critical access hospitals.

Review Coding Clinic advice as it pertains to ICD-10-CM/PCS reporting and MS-DRG assignment.