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Course

External Cause ICD-10-CM Coding Introduction


Description

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in the art of external cause coding within the medical field. Throughout this program, you will gain a deep understanding of the core concepts behind external cause codes, enabling you to unravel the 'who,' 'what,' 'where,' 'why,' and 'how' of accidents and injuries. Learn how these codes play a pivotal role in research, statistics, and injury prevention. Discover the 'IPAS' mnemonic for efficient code assignment, explore sequelae external cause codes, delve into terrorism guidelines, and master the intricacies of status codes.

Included Lessons:

  • What are External Cause Codes?
  • General Guidelines for External Cause Codes
  • Sequelae External Cause Codes
  • Terrorism Guideline
  • Status Codes
  • Finding External Cause Codes
  • Coding Clinics Pertaining to External Cause Codes
CEUs available for the following credentials:

AHIMA

CCA, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT, RHIA, CDIP, CHDA, CHPS

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Key Takeaways

Completing this course will empower medical coders to excel in accurately documenting and coding external causes of accidents and injuries, contributing to improved patient care and the broader healthcare community's understanding of injury patterns and prevention strategies. Some key takeaways of this course include:

  • Comprehensive Understanding: Coders will have a thorough comprehension of external cause codes, including how to use them to describe the circumstances surrounding accidents and injuries.
  • Data Importance: Recognize the significance of external cause coding in data collection for research, statistical analysis, and injury prevention efforts.
  • Code Assignment Mastery: Gain proficiency in assigning external cause codes accurately, understanding the 'IPAS' (I-Injury specific, P-Place of occurrence, A-Activity, S-Status) mnemonic for efficient code assignment.
  • Sequelae Codes: Understand when and how to use sequela external cause codes to describe late effects of injuries or health conditions.
  • Status Codes: Learn when and how to assign status codes, such as identifying the patient's status at the time of the accident or injury, including students, military personnel, or volunteers.
  • Code Finding Skills: Develop the ability to locate external cause codes effectively, even when encoder logic doesn't lead to them, by using the ICD-10-CM codebook and external cause code section.
  • Applying Industry Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest coding advice, new code assignments, and coding conventions, ensuring compliance with industry standards and guidelines.
  • Enhanced Coding Accuracy: Improve overall coding accuracy, leading to better patient care, billing efficiency, and data quality.
  • Preparation for Specialized Topics: Be prepared to explore more specialized external cause topics in subsequent courses, building on this foundational knowledge.

Benefits of Taking this Course

  • Enhanced Coding Skills
  • Introductory Knowledge to External Cause
  • Efficient Code Assignment
  • Versatility
  • Career Growth and Advancement
  • Increased Confidence

FAQs

What are external cause codes, and why are they important?
External cause codes describe how accidents and injuries occurred. They are crucial for understanding the circumstances surrounding an injury, aiding in research, and informing injury prevention efforts.
Can external cause codes be used as primary diagnoses?

No, external cause codes are always secondary codes. They should never be used as primary or principal diagnoses.

What is the purpose of the 'IPAS' mnemonic in external cause coding?

The 'IPAS' (I-Injury specific, P-Place of occurrence, A-Activity, S-Status) mnemonic helps coders remember key components to consider when assigning external cause codes, ensuring comprehensive and accurate coding.

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 CPTE/M, ICD-10-CMICD-10-PCS, and are designed to cater to different coder levels and coding specialties such as inpatientoutpatientprofee, and CDI. Additionally, HIAlearn offers a Coding Updates bundle to ensure coders are up-to-date with the annual changes in ICD-10-CMICD-10-PCSCPT, and IPPS. Beyond individual learning, HIAlearn supports organizations with group discounts, promoting enhanced coding accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across teams. 

Disclaimer: This course is not for individual sale. Purchase the External Cause Training Plan below and get access to 3 courses. 

Overview
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AHIMA CEUs : 1
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