Coding Clinic Advice Frequently Missed Course

Q: How should a 'tight nuchal cord' in a newborn be coded in ICD-10-CM?

A 'tight nuchal cord' does not automatically imply compression. The documentation should clearly indicate how the newborn was affected by the tight nuchal cord, such as metabolic acidosis or a low Apgar score. If it's unclear whether the newborn was affected, further clarification should be sought from the provider.

Q: How is a 'bulging disc' coded in ICD-10-CM, and is it the same as a herniated or displaced disc?

A 'bulging disc' is coded as M51.37 in ICD-10-CM. It is not the same as a herniated or displaced disc. A bulging disc refers to a condition that develops over time due to the degeneration of the disc.

Description

In this course, we focus on important advice from the Coding Clinic that coders often miss or forget. These pieces of advice are essential for coders to do their job accurately and effectively, but they are commonly overlooked during coding audits and reviews. The course will highlight these key points, and encourage coders to save or bookmark them for easy access and reference in the future. This way, coders can avoid making the same mistakes repeatedly, improving their work and the results of coding audits and reviews.

Included Lessons:

2022 Coding Clinics Frequently Missed
2021 Coding Clinics Frequently Missed
2020 Coding Clinics Frequently Missed
2019 Coding Clinics Frequently Missed
2018 Coding Clinics Frequently Missed
2017 Coding Clinics Frequently Missed
2016 Coding Clinics Frequently Missed
2015 Coding Clinics Frequently Missed
2013 Coding Clinics Frequently Missed
2007 Coding Clinics Frequently Missed
2006 Coding Clinics Frequently Missed

Key Takeaways

Familiarity with Essential Advice: Gain an understanding of crucial Coding Clinic advice that is often overlooked, ensuring that you are up-to-date with relevant and essential coding practices.
Historical Review: Access a well-organized retrospective view from 2022 to 2006, allowing a comprehensive understanding of the commonly missed advice over the years, which aids in highlighting persisting challenges and gaps in coding practices.
Improvement and Accuracy: Learn and apply the highlighted key points from the Coding Clinics to enhance coding accuracy and effectiveness in audits and reviews, helping to minimize recurrent mistakes and improve overall coding outcomes.
Easy Reference: The course encourages the bookmarking or saving of essential Coding Clinic advice for future reference, facilitating quick and easy access to valuable information that will aid in coding tasks.
Consistent Updating: The structuring of the course allows for continual learning and updating of information, ensuring that coders remain current with Coding Clinic advice, thus maintaining a high standard of coding practice.

How should a "tight nuchal cord" in a newborn be coded in ICD-10-CM?

A "tight nuchal cord" does not automatically imply compression. The documentation should clearly indicate how the newborn was affected by the tight nuchal cord, such as metabolic acidosis or a low Apgar score. If it's unclear whether the newborn was affected, further clarification should be sought from the provider.

How is a "bulging disc" coded in ICD-10-CM, and is it the same as a herniated or displaced disc?

A "bulging disc" is coded as M51.37 in ICD-10-CM. It is not the same as a herniated or displaced disc. A bulging disc refers to a condition that develops over time due to the degeneration of the disc.

Should depression and anxiety be coded separately, or is there a linkage assumed between them in ICD-10-CM?

In ICD-10-CM, depression and anxiety should be coded separately (F32.9 for depression and F41.9 for anxiety) unless a clear linkage between the two conditions is documented by the provider. If a relationship is indicated, the code F41.8 (Other specified anxiety disorders) may be used.

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 comprehensive online education platform for medical coders. With a catalog of over 200 medical coding courses accepted by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a selection approved by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), HIAlearn caters to both beginners and experienced medical coders seeking to enhance their skills. The platform provides an array of training plans tailored to meet individual learning needs, from mastering challenging coding procedures to understanding broad conceptual frameworks within the coding world. Courses are available across various coding types including CPT, E/M, ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and are designed to cater to different coder levels and coding specialties such as inpatient, outpatient, profee, and CDI. Additionally, HIAlearn offers a Coding Updates bundle to ensure coders are up-to-date with the annual changes in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and IPPS. Beyond individual learning, HIAlearn supports organizations with group discounts, promoting enhanced coding accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across teams.