March 2, 2021
The COVID-19 Vaccine: How Does that Really Work?
Vaccines have been around since the 18th century when Edward Jenner introduced the smallpox vaccine in 1796. There are four general categories of vaccines that…
February 4, 2021
Acute Kidney Injury from Acute Tubular Necrosis vs Prerenal Cause–How Do I Tell the Difference?
In the hospital setting, 65-75% of AKI is caused by one of two etiologies: prerenal causes and acute tubular necrosis (ATN). What is a “prerenal”…
January 22, 2021
To Code or Not to Code Brain Compression?
Coding or not coding Brain compression (G93.5) caused by trauma is a topic of frequent discussion and confusion. Coding Clinic, Second Quarter 2020 page 31,…
December 1, 2020
2020 Challenges…and a Happy New Year!
As we welcome in 2021 and say goodbye to 2020, we are still dealing with many issues of 2020. Covid-19 and is it active infection…
November 2, 2020
Wash Your Hands!
First it was Covid 19 then murder hornets and now it’s flu season. Thankfully, flu activity for the 2020-2021 season is low according to the…
October 1, 2020
Acute Pancreatitis and…What Else?
From an MS-DRG perspective, there are few disease processes that so commonly present with opportunities for CCs or MCCs that it …
September 17, 2020
CMS’s March for Innovation Continues; Let CDI be your Ally
There’s no denying it: changes brought on by COVID-19 have created a “new normal.” However, there are some things that have not…
August 3, 2020
That’s an HCC?
Each year the impact of risk adjustment using CMS-HCCs is being recognized progressively more by those involved in any aspect of Population Health…
July 22, 2020
Pre-visit Planning: Uncovering Stones for ACO Financial Viability Amidst COVID-19
When you think of the saying “leave no stone unturned”, what comes to mind? Maybe something of value was lost, and you were fervently trying…
June 15, 2020
Documentation and Telehealth
“The cat is out of the bag” said Jim Parker, a top official at the Department of Health and Human Services regarding telehealth. However, what…
May 7, 2020
Pre-Bills and Revenue Security—The Return of non-COVID-19 Patients to the Hospital
Treating Unmet Needs and Chronic Conditions Patients who have been kept away or are staying away from acute care hospitals are experiencing a pent-up and…
April 22, 2020
Tips for Proactive Denial Management
According to a Healthcare Innovation article, denials can erode a healthcare organization’s bottom line, resulting in the permanent loss of an estimated 3%…