In 2021, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) were added as risk factors to the CPT table used to determine the level of medical decision-making for evaluation and management (E/M) services provided during visits in an office or...
Coding Tips
The latest information to keep updated for advanced coding.
Intraosseous (IO) Vascular Access
Refers to the placement of a specialized hollow bore needle through the cortex of a bone into the medullary space for infusion of medical therapy. It is used when standard venous access would delay therapy or is not easily obtained. IO success rates are twice as high...
CDI Tips: Properly Capturing Lactic Acidosis
A recent discussion regarding lactic acidosis in a patient with sepsis has prompted a review of some important points that need clarification. First and foremost, lactic acidosis is not considered inherent to Sepsis. Additionally, acidosis is not noted as an...
Refractory Angina Pectoris
New codes were assigned for refractory angina pectoris in FY 2023. These codes will differentiate refractory angina pectoris from other angina types and help ensure precise data collection coding. Chronic refractory angina pectoris is angina caused by irreversible...
Prostatic Artery Embolization
New code for Prostatic Artery Embolization under root operation (Occlusion) For 2023, a new code was introduced for Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) under root operation (Occlusion). It is in the same body system, Lower Arteries, as Uterine Artery Embolization. PAE...
Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome
FY 2023 includes new codes for Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS), category D59.3-. HUS is a rare but serious disease that affects the kidneys and blood clotting functions of infected people. Infection with HUS causes the destruction of red blood cells, which can then cause kidney failure.
CDI Tips: Pregnancy and Mpox
Most patients will not be admitted to the hospital with mpox, but some patients with weakened immune systems, children under age 8, and pregnant or breastfeeding women can experience serious illness.
Today’s Tip: Acute Respiratory Acidosis
New codes related to respiratory acidosis are now in place. Acute respiratory acidosis is now indexed to J96.02 (Acute respiratory failure with hypercapnia). Chronic respiratory acidosis is now indexed to J96.12 (Chronic respiratory failure with hypercapnia)....
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Code K76.82 We now have a code (K76.82) for Hepatic Encephalopathy for FY 2023. This includes documentation such as: "Hepatocerebral intoxication" and "Portal-systemic encephalopathy." It is important to note in the ICD-10-CM manual that we are to Code Also...
Today’s Tip: Hypercholesterolemia and Hyperlipidemia
Providers often use the terms hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia interchangeably. Technically, hyperlipidemia is a high or elevated lipid/fat level in the blood. High blood cholesterol is a lipid disorder. As a result, when hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia...
Today’s Tip: Light Meconium-stained Fluid
Meconium gives the amniotic fluid a greenish color. This is called meconium staining. Coding Clinic, Second Quarter 2022 clarifies ‘light meconium-stained fluid’ and how to code it. The presence of any meconium staining may indicate fetal distress, therefore code...
Coding Tip: The Eliquis Coding Conundrum
Eliquis can be used as an anticoagulant or an antithrombotic. When a patient is on Eliquis long-term, it can be a coding conundrum. As published in Coding Clinic, Second Quarter 2022, ICD-10-CM classifies Eliquis as an anticoagulant medication. Therefore, if...