In 2013, “Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice,” a collaboration between AHIMA and ACDIS, was published. It has served as the industry guideline for the establishment of best practices surrounding queries. The 2019 update reinforces the information set forth in the preceding practice briefs while also introducing some newer guidelines reflective of today’s healthcare environment.
Having taken on more diverse responsibilities, many providers regard medical coding as a necessary evil; their primary focus is caring for their patients. Although many physicians select codes for the work they perform, they rely on specialized coding and auditing professionals to review their documentation and reporting for accuracy.
CMS finalized a rule on May 7 aimed at streamlining the Medicare appeals process by removing the signature requirement for appeal requests of Parts A and B claims and Part D prescription drug coverage determinations.
Representatives from CMS and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) discussed hot topics and focus areas at HCCA's 2019 Compliance Institute in Boston, including developing interactive documentation checklists, potential changes to Stark Law this year, and methods to address the high rate of coding and documentation errors on inpatient rehabilitiation facility (IRF) claims.
Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana, is disputing an Office of Inspector General (OIG) report that found DRG assignment errors and incorrect inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) claims, resulting in an projected $22,051,602 in overpayments.
