Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt Procedure Course

Description

This course offers comprehensive training for medical coders on the Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt Procedure, a vital palliative treatment for cyanotic congenital heart defects. It covers the procedure's history, variations, and ICD-10-PCS coding, emphasizing root operations, body parts, and qualifiers. Coders will also learn about the significance of shunt ligation or removal in multi-staged corrections, equipping them to handle real-world coding challenges effectively.

Included Lessons:

What is a Blalock-Taussig Shunt?
Blood Flow from Heart to Lungs
The Procedure
ICD-10-PCS Coding
Coding Clinic Reference

Key Takeaways

Overall, the course equips medical coders with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately document and code the Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt Procedure, making them valuable assets in the healthcare industry. Key takeaways from this course include:

Understanding of Procedure Purpose: Coders will grasp why the Blalock-Taussig shunt is performed, specifically for cyanotic congenital heart defects, and its palliative role in improving pulmonary blood flow.
Procedure Variations: They will learn about the classic and modified versions of the procedure, along with the choice of systemic arteries for anastomosis.
ICD-10-PCS Coding Proficiency: Coders will develop proficiency in ICD-10-PCS coding principles, including root operations, body parts, and qualifiers, enabling them to accurately document and code the Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure.
Ligation and Removal: They will understand the importance of ligation or removal of the shunt in multi-staged corrections and how it affects coding.
Real-World Coding Scenarios: The course will provide practical examples and scenarios to prepare coders for real-world coding challenges related to the Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure.
Coding Clinic References: Coders will become familiar with relevant coding clinic references to ensure accurate and up-to-date coding practices.

What are the key differences between the classic and modified Blalock-Taussig shunt procedures?

The classic shunt involved a direct connection between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery. The modified procedure uses synthetic grafts to connect systemic arteries (innominate, subclavian, or carotid) to the pulmonary artery. The modified version is more common today.

How can proficiency in coding the Blalock-Taussig shunt procedure benefit my career as a medical coder?

Proficiency in coding this specialized procedure can lead to career advancement as well as increased job opportunities.

Are there any prerequisites or recommended prior knowledge for taking this course?

While there may not be strict prerequisites, having a foundation in medical coding and familiarity with ICD-10-PCS coding principles would be beneficial for this course.

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.