What will I learn from an APR-DRG System Introduction course?

In this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the APR-DRG (All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups) grouping system, including its historical evolution, main components, and the importance of severity of illness and risk of mortality in patient classification. Practical coding examples show how different levels of illness severity can impact the classification process.

How will this course benefit my career in medical coding?

This course enhances your coding accuracy and proficiency by deepening your understanding of the APR-DRG grouping system. That knowledge supports more accurate patient classification, which is critical for reimbursement processes and overall healthcare data and revenue cycle management.

Is this course suitable for coders at all experience levels?

This course is ideal for coders who already have a basic understanding of medical coding concepts and want to expand their expertise in the APR-DRG grouping system. Both intermediate and advanced coders looking to refine and update their knowledge in this area will find it beneficial.

APR-DRG Introduction Course

Description

APR-DRG System Introduction is an online, self-paced course for inpatient coders who want a clear understanding of how the APR-DRG methodology assigns a diagnosis-related group, severity of illness, and risk of mortality. The course walks through how the system classifies conditions and procedures, how SOI and ROM levels are determined, and why accurate coding and documentation directly influence grouping outcomes. This module offers 1 AHIMA CEU and helps coders apply APR-DRG logic with more accuracy and consistency in the inpatient setting.

Included Lessons:

Introduction - What Is The History Of The APR-DRG System?
How APR-DRG Data Is Used
Components Of APR-DRGs
Grouping and APR-DRGS
How Diagnoses Are Assigned A Level For SOI And ROM
Symptoms and APR-DRGs
Status Z-codes That May Affect SOI/ROM Depending On Principal Diagnosis
Takeaway Points

Key Takeaways

Deep Understanding of APR-DRG: Participants will gain an in-depth comprehension of the All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR-DRG) system, enhancing their proficiency in patient classification.
Historical Knowledge: Learners will acquire historical insights into the APR-DRG system, understanding its evolution and increasing relevance in today’s healthcare landscape.
Severity and Risk Assessment: The course emphasizes the importance of accurately assessing and coding for the severity of illness and risk of mortality, which is crucial for appropriate patient grouping and reimbursement processes.
Practical Application: Through coding examples, participants will learn how varying levels of illness severity impact the relative weight in the classification process, even when the broader APR-DRG category remains unaffected.
Enhanced Coding Skills: Coders will hone their skills, becoming adept at navigating the complexities of the APR-DRG system, thereby improving the accuracy and effectiveness of their coding practices.
Professional Development: Engaging with this course can contribute to the professional development of coders, augmenting their expertise and preparing them for more advanced challenges and responsibilities in their field.

How does this course introduce me to the fundamentals of the APR-DRG system?

This course walks you through the structure of APR-DRGs, explaining how base DRGs, subclasses, severity levels, and risk of mortality are assigned. You’ll learn the essential terminology and mechanics behind the system so you can understand how diagnoses and procedures influence APR-DRG grouping and reimbursement.

Will I learn how severity of illness (SOI) and risk of mortality (ROM) levels are assigned within the APR-DRG system?

Yes. The course explains how SOI and ROM levels are determined and why they differ from the MS-DRG model. You’ll see how documentation, secondary diagnoses, and clinical complexity impact subclass assignment, giving you a clearer picture of how coders contribute to accurate APR-DRG outcomes.

Does this course cover how APR-DRG assignment differs from MS-DRG assignment?

Yes. The course highlights the key differences between APR-DRGs and MS-DRGs, including how each system evaluates complexity, the role of subclasses, and how secondary diagnoses influence grouping. This helps coders understand why an encounter may group differently across the two systems and how to code with both perspectives in mind.

About Our Medical Coding Courses

HIAlearn, powered by Health Information Associates (HIA)—a leader in medical coding and auditing for more than three decades—offers a flexible, online education platform designed for today’s coders. With a growing catalog of AHIMA and AAPC-approved coding courses, HIAlearn supports both beginners and experienced coders looking to build confidence, accuracy, and CEU credits.

Courses are available across various coding types including CPT, E/M, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS, and are designed for multiple specialties including inpatient, outpatient, profee, and CDI.

To stay up to date, coders can explore our Coding Updates hub for the latest ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and IPPS changes. HIAlearn also supports organizations with group discounts and scalable team access, promoting accuracy, compliance, and continuous professional development across departments.