The constant updates in medical codes and evolving payer regulations, healthcare providers are increasingly turning to external coding audits. This blog post explores the importance of external coding audits, benefits, and how they support the healthcare industry in minimizing compliance risks, improving revenue integrity, and enhancing operational efficiency. 1. What Is an External Coding Audit? […]
Medical ICD-10-CM coding accuracy is crucial for efficient healthcare reimbursement. Even minor errors can lead to claim denials, delays, and lost revenue. Here are the top 10 medical coding mistakes to avoid: Accuracy is Key: 1. Don’t Skip the Details: ICD-10-CM codes often require specific details in the fourth and fifth digits. Using truncated codes […]
2024 ICD 10 CM codes : The volatility brought about by the COVID pandemic has gradually transitioned towards a semblance of stability in the coding landscape. Particularly noteworthy is CMS’s unexpected revelation of the smallest count of codes in recent times. A sum of 395 new billable codes has been incorporated for the year 2024, […]
In the 2024 ICD-10-CM, there are noteworthy changes to the SDoH codes Z55-Z65 that are worth mentioning. Instead of discussing minor formatting and grammatical adjustments made by CMS, I will concentrate on the significant changes. Here are the updates. ● Under the category of problems related to social environment (Z60.8), the ICD-10-CM now includes more […]
Risk adjustment coding plays a vital role in the healthcare sector by capturing and documenting the severity of patient conditions. Its primary purpose is to guarantee precise reimbursement and risk adjustment scores. Given the ever-changing healthcare landscape, it is imperative for healthcare providers and coding professionals to remain adaptable and well-informed about the evolving requirements. […]
On Friday, June 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unveiled the ICD-10-CM codes for the upcoming fiscal year 2024 (FY 2024). This latest release introduces 395 new additions, removes 25 codes, and includes 13 revised codes. The removals are a result of the expansion of diagnosis codes. In total, there will be […]
Having been on the receiving end of audits, and also having been an individual who has conducted them, I know the mindset from both sides of this equation. The one element to this equation that has changed over time is the increase in payer denials: those that are now clinical- and coding-focused, often resulting in […]
It may become common practice to identify genetic abnormalities prior to the development of manifestations. The March 2023 ICD-10-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee Meeting presented me with a dilemma (Topic packet March 8, 2023, ICD-10-CM Coord & Maint Cmte Meeting). Now that we have the technology to unravel the genetic basis for conditions, are we […]
New codes and updates become effective April 1. The updates to ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS that become effective April 1 were released in mid-January. The updates include 42 new diagnosis codes. The significant changes to the ICD-10-CM guidelines are the following: A.19 – Code Assignment and Clinical Criteria This section has added a new sentence: “If […]
hcc medical abbreviation: In medical terminology, “HCC” commonly stands for “Hepatocellular Carcinoma.” This is the most common type of primary liver cancer, which originates in the hepatocytes, the main type of liver cell. It’s important to note that medical abbreviations can vary depending on context, so if you encounter “HCC” in a different context, it’s […]