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Articles
    JustCoding Inpatient Archives
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    JustCoding Inpatient

    2024 ICD-10-CM: Increased specificity for appendicitis, intestinal conditions

    January 17, 2024
    2024 ICD-10-CM code changes pertaining to acute appendicitis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth give coders the opportunity to report these conditions with greater accuracy and specificity. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Define the where, what, and why of spinal surgery in ICD-10-PCS

    December 6, 2023
    Spinal surgery for hospital coders can be very challenging if they do not know the rules for assigning the correct ICD-10-PCS codes. Nancy Reading, RN, CPC, CPC-P , reviews spinal anatomy and surgical approaches, and offers tips on how to select the most appropriate characters in ICD-10-PCS.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Tackle anemia documentation and coding in ICD-10-CM

    December 6, 2023
    Anemia describes a condition in which the number of red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient. Review the types of anemia, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and ICD-10-CM coding. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Recognize malnutrition in end-of-life patients from a registered dietitian’s perspective

    October 25, 2023
    Kate Siemens, RN, CMSRN, CCDS , discusses the clinical indicators for malnutrition during end-of-life care with Taylor Kuykendall, MS, RD, LD . She covers relevant ICD-10-CM codes and proper reporting methodologies for the condition.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Clarify ICD-10-PCS coding for cardiovascular procedures

    September 13, 2023
    Building ICD-10-PCS codes for cardiovascular surgery can be tricky given the number of root operations that may apply. Sarah Gould, CPC , reviews cardiac anatomy and ICD-10-PCS guidelines for reporting cardiac insertion and bypass procedures. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    How does the heart beat? Review cardiac pathophysiology and ICD-10-CM coding

    August 30, 2023
    The heart is a restless organ whose constant rhythm is integral to normal bodily functions. Unfortunately, there are many maladies that can occur, as Linda Martien, CPC, CPC-I, COC, CPMA, CRC, explains through her review of normal cardiac pathophysiology and how to report common rhythm abnormalities in ICD-10-CM.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Piece together ICD-10-PCS coding for arteriovenous grafts and fistulas

    August 2, 2023
    Hemodialysis involves diverting blood into an external machine, where it is filtered and returned to the body. Sarah Gould, CPC , describes the vascular surgical options for hemodialysis (fistulas and grafts), their various types, and how to report them in ICD-10-PCS. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Investigate postoperative ileus: A clinical perspective

    July 19, 2023
    Kate Siemens, RN, CMSRN, CCDS , offers her nursing and coding experience to explain postoperative ileus, a common complication after gastrointestinal surgery, and associated ICD-10-CM coding.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Investigate HALS update in 2024 ICD-10-PCS guidelines

    July 19, 2023
    Shelley Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I, defines hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) procedures and how to report them according to new guidance in the 2024 ICD-10-PCS guidelines. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Investigate ICD-10-PCS coding for ventilation in neonates

    July 5, 2023
    ICD-10-PCS provides many codes related to respiratory assistance, ECMO, and ultrasound for procedures for newborns/neonates. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , reviews these procedures and offers clinical coding scenarios to clear up confusion. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Simplify ICD-10-PCS coding for spinal fusion and fixation

    May 24, 2023
    Spinal fusions can effectively eliminate pain and restore stability to the spine. Learn how to apply ICD-10-PCS codes and guidelines for spinal fusions and related procedures. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Decipher documentation and ICD-10-CM coding for complex pneumonia

    May 10, 2023
    Pneumonia is the eighth-leading cause of death in the U.S. This article outlines signs and symptoms of respiratory infection, pneumonia etiologies, and ICD-10-CM coding for complex pneumonia. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Clarify clinical concepts and coding for specific types of CHF

    April 26, 2023
    Congestive heart failure (CHF) is used ubiquitously in medical records. Nancy Reading, RN, CPC , breaks down CHF types and pathophysiology, and discusses ICD-10-CM coding for the condition.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Address sepsis documentation and ICD-10-CM coding concerns

    April 26, 2023
    Approximately 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Review documentation requirements and ICD-10-CM coding for severe sepsis. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Piece together ICD-10-PCS coding for colon procedures

    April 12, 2023
    Functional and structural disorders, infections, and irritations of the large intestine can cause debilitating digestive complications that require surgical intervention. Review ICD-10-PCS coding for colectomy and ostomy procedures. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Overcome uncertainty when coding for encephalopathy

    April 12, 2023
    When reporting ICD-10-CM codes for encephalopathy with comorbidities, coders must carefully review documentation to determine which conditions are separately reportable. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBG , breaks down ICD-10-CM reporting guidance for complex cases of encephalopathy.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Tackle ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for CVA

    March 29, 2023
    Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Review ICD-10-CM coding for CVA and ICD-10-PCS coding for surgical interventions used to open blocked arteries. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Evaluate encephalopathy etiologies and ICD-10-CM coding

    March 29, 2023
    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.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Examine ICD-10-CM coding for external causes of morbidity

    March 1, 2023
    Findings from a recent medical record review published by JAMA Network Open show that physical assaults are often miscoded as accidents. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , breaks down ICD-10-CM coding for specific details about an injury or health event.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Capture COPD in ICD-10-CM

    March 1, 2023
    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2020 with 152,657 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read up on ICD-10-CM coding for different types of COPD including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Conquer ICD-10-PCS coding for computer-assisted surgeries

    February 15, 2023
    Robotic and computer-assisted surgical procedures are still considered new technology despite having been used in the U.S. for many years. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBG , unpacks ICD-10-PCS coding for surgeries performed using specialized software and robotic technology.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Wound care 101: Perfect ICD-10-PCS reporting for skin grafting and debridement

    February 15, 2023
    Adhere to ICD-10-PCS guidance for reporting multiple procedures and procedural components when coding for wound debridement and skin grafting. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Brush up on indicators of disease for common inpatient diagnoses

    February 1, 2023
    Coding and CDI professionals should understand disease processes for common inpatient diagnoses. Ronald Singell, RN, BSN, CCDS , writes about clinical indicators of disease for diabetic ketoacidosis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and sequential organ failure.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Don’t let ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for obesity weigh you down

    February 1, 2023
    Obesity has grown into a global epidemic with significant social and economic consequences. Review ICD-10-CM coding for obesity and other weight-related conditions, and ICD-10-PCS coding for surgical interventions used to maintain a healthy weight. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Unpack ICD-10-CM coding for sepsis due to a UTI

    January 18, 2023
    If a urinary tract infection is left untreated, it can spread to other organs and cause sepsis and septic shock. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , breaks down ICD-10-CM coding for this life-threatening diagnosis.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Perfect 2023 ICD-10-PCS coding for hepatic thermal ablation

    December 21, 2022
    While laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is not new, the expansion of its use for diagnoses beyond brain tumors can help a new patient population. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, HCISPP, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I , describes how LITT is documented and reported in ICD-10-PCS.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Cozy up with the 2023 ICD-10-CM coding guidelines

    December 21, 2022
    The 2023 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting include new reporting guidance for neoplasms, care complications, social determinants of health, and more. Review significant updates to the guidelines, which took effect October 1. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Brush up on ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for vaccines

    December 7, 2022
    Vaccinations are simple and effective ways of protecting individuals against harmful diseases. Review ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for vaccines administered during inpatient admission. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Dive into documentation and ICD-10-CM coding for cardiorenal syndrome

    November 23, 2022
    Cardiorenal syndrome refers to acute or chronic dysfunction of the heart or kidneys that causes dysfunction in the other organ. Review ICD-CM coding for heart and kidney failure and the physiological impact that dysfunction in one system has on the rest of the body. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Newborn coding basics: Navigate ICD-10-CM reporting for birth encounters

    November 9, 2022
    Coding for newborn services can be complicated due to detailed examinations and therapeutic treatments performed after delivery. Sarah Nehring, RHIA, CCS, CCDS , breaks down ICD-10-CM coding for newborn encounters and reviews new codes for newborn apnea that took effect October 1.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Refresh documentation and ICD-10-CM coding for respiratory conditions

    November 9, 2022
    ICD-10-CM coding for respiratory illnesses requires a solid understanding of clinical indicators and coding guidelines. Review documentation and guidance for reporting acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, and pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Identify CVA causes and outcomes for proper ICD-10-CM coding

    October 26, 2022
    Stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unpack clinical documentation and ICD-10-CM coding for various types of CVA. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    2023 neurology update: New ICD-10-CM codes for nervous system disorders

    October 12, 2022
    Coders must be familiar with ICD-10-CM reporting guidelines for common neurological conditions. This article unpacks recent updates to the nervous system chapter of ICD-10-CM including 14 new codes for autonomic conditions and fatigue syndromes. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    2023 ICD-10-PCS update: Coding for amputations, laser ablation, and arterial embolization

    September 28, 2022
    The 2023 ICD-10-PCS code update includes 331 new codes and 64 code deletions that take effect this week. This article takes a close look at new ICD-10-PCS codes and guidelines for amputations, laser ablation, and aortic valve replacements. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Sharpen ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for endometriosis

    September 14, 2022
    Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition that occurs when the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Brush up on ICD-10-CM coding for the condition and ICD-10-PCS coding for surgical procedures used to treat it. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Build ICD-10-PCS codes for bronchoscopic biopsies

    August 17, 2022
    Bronchus, lung, and lymph node biopsies are often performed via a bronchoscopic technique. Sarah Nehring, BS, RHIT, CCS, CCDS , breaks down ICD-10-PCS coding for brush, transbronchial fine needle aspiration, and transbronchial forceps biopsies.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Solidify ICD-10-PCS coding for spinal fusions

    August 3, 2022
    A spinal fusion is used to permanently connect two or more vertebrae, eliminating motion between them. Read up on ICD-10-PCS guidance for reporting spinal fusions based on key details in the operative note. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Break down complex ICD-10-PCS coding guidelines

    July 20, 2022
    Determining the most specific ICD-10-PCS code for a procedural service can be tricky given that there are 34 character values and over 78,000 ICD-10-PCS codes for 2022. This article breaks down potentially confusing ICD-10-PCS guidelines for obstetric and cardiovascular procedures. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Perfect ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for abortion

    July 6, 2022
    Coders in acute care facilities must be comfortable assigning ICD-10-CM/PCS codes for abortions. Sarah Nehring, BS, RHIT, CCS, CCDS , breaks down ICD-10-CM/PCS codes for spontaneous and induced abortions and related complications.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Perform ICD-10-CM coding for cardiomyopathies

    March 30, 2022
    It is estimated that as many as 1 in 500 adults may suffer from a cardiomyopathy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Review documentation considerations and ICD-10-CM coding for different types of cardiomyopathies. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Breathe easy: Simplify ICD-10-PCS coding for ventilation management

    March 30, 2022
    Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving intervention used for acutely ill patients who cannot breathe on their own. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , evaluates medical terminology used to describe mechanical ventilation and breaks down ICD-10-PCS coding for this procedure.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Simplify ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for spinal fusions

    May 26, 2021
    A spinal fusion, or surgery to permanently connect two or more vertebrae in the spine, is sometimes necessary to correct spinal deformities and instability. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , breaks down ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding for fusion procedures. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Perfect ICD-10-CM coding for poisonings, adverse effects, and underdosing

    May 26, 2021
    Sarah Nehring, RHIT, CCS, CCDS , reviews documentation and ICD-10-CM guidance for reporting for toxic effects, adverse drug reactions, and underdosing of prescribed medications.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Building ICD-10-PCS codes for spinal fusions

    May 12, 2021
    Spinal fusion procedures are reported using two different ICD-10-PCS tables, depending on the location of the vertebrae fused. Sarah Nehring, RHIT, CCS, CCDS , breaks down ICD-10-PCS coding for spinal fusions based on details in the operative note.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Conquer ICD-10-CM coding for encephalopathy

    April 28, 2021
    Encephalopathy is a general term used to describe any disease of the brain that alters its function or structure. Alba Kuqi, MD, CICA, CCS, CDIP, CCDS, CRCR, CSMC, MSHIM, RHIA , analyzes ICD-10-CM coding for toxic, metabolic, and hepatic encephalopathies.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Reporting brachytherapy in the inpatient setting

    February 5, 2020
    The ICD-10-PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting were updated for 2020 to include guidelines for coding brachytherapy performed in the inpatient setting. Sarah Nehring, CCS, CCDS , details these changes and how they will impact ICD-10-PCS reporting for permanent and temporary brachytherapy.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Resolve sepsis documentation and reporting questions

    August 7, 2019
    Allen Frady, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS, CRC , reviews the answers to commonly asked questions pertaining to sepsis documentation to help coders and CDI specialists ensure accurate reporting of this condition.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    SIRS and sepsis: Correct coding in ICD-10-CM

    July 24, 2019
    Sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) have historically been difficult to report due to changing terminology and continuous updates to ICD-10-CM coding guidelines. Review clinical terminology and complex guidelines to select the most specific codes for both conditions.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Stress less when coding for PTSD diagnoses

    July 10, 2019
    PTSD is marked by persistent mental and emotional stress that occurs as a result of severe psychological shock. Peggy S. Blue, MPH, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC , reviews symptoms of and ICD-10-CM coding for PTSD, as well as barriers to psychosocial treatment for the condition.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Simplify ICD-10-PCS coding for spinal procedures

    June 26, 2019
    Treatment options for spinal conditions are varied and may include pain management with medications, injections, or surgical interventions. Adrienne Commeree , CPC, CPMA, CCS, CEMC, CPIP , breaks down spinal anatomy and ICD-10-PCS coding for spinal fusions and laminectomy procedures.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    ICD-10-CM coding for neoplastic diseases

    June 12, 2019
    Diagnosis coding for neoplasms can be particularly challenging, as neoplasms are classified by site, behavior, and morphology. Review ICD-10-CM coding and guidelines for reporting solid organ tumors and cancers affecting the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Heading up ICD-10-CM/PCS coding for the brain

    April 4, 2018
    Yvette M. DeVay, MHA, CPC, CPMA, CIC, CPC-I , reviews the anatomy of the brain and details treatments and surgeries associated with the brain and how to report them in ICD-10-CM/PCS.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Finding coding compliance success in your facility

    June 14, 2017
    James S. Kennedy, MD, CCS, CDIP , writes that if a payer has criteria that differs from that of the provider or the facility, Recovery Auditors can deny ICD-10-CM/PCS codes they deem not to fit these criteria. Kennedy gives solutions for coding compliance for conditions such as sepsis, coma, and encephalopathy.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Identifying root operations that involve a device

    July 27, 2016
    Since the physician doesn't need to use a specific root operation term in documentation, coders should not rely solely on the term the physician uses. Coders need to know the definitions and the nuances of the root operations, especially those involving a device.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Determine root operations to report ICD-10-PCS hernia repair

    February 10, 2016
    Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I, reviews anatomic details related to hernias and how to use operative report details to report the appropriate procedure codes for hernia surgeries.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Anatomy, underlying conditions key to coding spinal diagnoses and procedures in ICD-10

    January 13, 2016
    Joel Moorhead, MD, PhD, CPC, writes about details for spinal conditions for coders to consider when choosing the most accurate ICD-10 codes for diagnoses and procedures.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Anatomy and ICD-10-PCS table define body part character

    December 17, 2014
    The anatomical definition of a body part may not be the same as the ICD-10-PCS identification of a body part. Jennifer Avery, CCS, CPC-H, CPC, CPC-I, Nena Scott, MSEd, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, and Gretchen Young-Charles, RHIA, explain the guidelines for selecting the appropriate body part and how body parts can affect root operation selection.
    JustCoding Inpatient

    Use, abuse, dependence: What does it all really mean?

    May 21, 2014
    Reporting codes for use, abuse, and dependence isn’t completely new for ICD-10-CM. Coders can report them in ICD-9-CM. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, MAOM/HSM, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I , AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, reviews the meaning of use, abuse, and dependence and how to code these conditions.
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