News
April 7, 2020
We now Have a Code for COVID-19; Here’s How to use it Correctly
By Erica E. Remer, MD, FACEP, CCDS
The patient has COVID-19? How is the infection manifesting? You need a code for that detail. The rapidity with which our medical world is evolving is unbelievable. I know that aiming for optimal documentation is a worthy goal, but I recognize that right now, my clinical colleagues have more important…
April 7, 2020
National Uniform Billing Committee Releases New Condition Code for COVID-19 Claims
By Gloryanne Bryant, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCDS, AHIMA-Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer
New condition code for COVID-19 released for healthcare claims. We are in a state of flux with information, details, instructions, and changes impacting the revenue cycle in healthcare, due to the 2019 novel coronavirus (or COVID-19) pandemic and crisis. One such change is the release by the National Uniform Billing…
Today, April 7, is World Health Day as proclaimed by the World Health Organization. On World Health Day, we would normally celebrate the advancement of policies to create health, wellness, and economic prosperity that benefits improved health status. Today, however, we live in the midst of a pandemic that is…
April 7, 2020
Codes for COVID, EVALI Take Effect
By Laurie M. Johnson, MS, RHIA, FAHIMA AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer
COVID cases worldwide approached a million in number as April began. Two new codes became effective for use on April 1; first, U07.1 (COVID-19) may be used for discharges and outpatient dates of service of April 1 and later. This code should be used so that COVID-19 cases can be…
The new template was designed by a former ED physician. Front-line emergency departments facing an onslaught of patients suspected of contracting the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 now have a new tool designed to help them quickly diagnose patients. The new tool is a documentation template that can be programmed…
He is worried about his own level of exposure to the coronavirus. It is part of my job to stay informed, but I must say that I underestimated the medical and societal impact of COVID-19. From my West Virginia farmhouse, which is three hours from my Washington, D.C. apartment, I…
March 31, 2020
Social Determinants of Health and 2021 E&M Code Changes
By Colleen Deighan, RHIA, CCS, CCDS-O
New E&M codes will take effect Jan. 21, 2021. Our number one priority is supporting our healthcare organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet we still must be aware of changes in the way E&M codes are assigned for office visits, based on new guidelines that will take effect on Jan.…
March 31, 2020
Working Remotely in Healthcare Administration during Challenging Times
By Terry Fletcher, BS, CPC, CCC, CEMC, CCS, CCS-P, CMC, CMSCS, CMCS, ACS-CA, SCP-CA, QMGC, QMCRC
Many healthcare professionals have had to switch to working remotely from home. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of people around the world. Travel restrictions and new rules on large public gatherings have changed the daily routines of millions. Over the past few weeks, many healthcare professionals and my…
