Newborn Secondary Diagnosis Coding and Reporting Course

Description

This course is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge required for accurately coding and reporting secondary diagnoses in newborns and neonates. Through this course, attendees will delve into topics such as conditions originating in the perinatal period, the use of codes from other chapters, observation and evaluation of suspected conditions, prematurity and fetal growth development, sepsis of newborns, exposure to Group B Strep, Rh factor/ABO incompatibility, Mongolian spots, meconium-related issues, and abnormal findings on neonatal screening. With expert guidance and real-world examples, participants will learn when and how to report these secondary diagnoses while adhering to official coding guidelines.

Included Lessons:

Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period
Use of Codes from Other Chapters
Observation and Evaluation of Suspected Conditions Not Found
Criteria for Additional Diagnoses Reporting
Prematurity and Fetal Growth Development
Sepsis of Newborn
Exposure to Group B Strep
Newborn Rh Factor/ABO Incompatibility/Positive Coombs Test
Mongolian Spots
Meconium
Abnormal Findings
Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Expertise in Newborn Coding: Coders will have a comprehensive understanding of the unique coding challenges and considerations specific to newborn and neonatal patients, including conditions originating in the perinatal period.
Accurate Secondary Diagnosis Reporting: Participants will learn when and how to report secondary neonatal diagnoses in compliance with official coding guidelines, ensuring precision in medical coding and documentation.
Criteria for Reporting: Coders will be proficient in identifying clinically significant conditions that warrant additional diagnosis reporting, such as those requiring clinical evaluation, therapeutic treatment, diagnostic procedures, or prolonged hospital stays, as well as those with implications for future healthcare needs.
Specialized Neonatal Conditions: Coders will acquire specialized knowledge in coding for conditions unique to newborns, including prematurity, fetal growth development, sepsis, exposure to Group B Strep, Rh factor/ABO incompatibility, and more.
Understanding of Abnormal Findings: Participants will be equipped to code abnormal findings on neonatal screening, including inborn errors of metabolism, congenital endocrine disease, congenital hematologic disorders, cystic fibrosis, and congenital heart disease, among others.
Application of Coding Guidelines: Coders will apply the latest coding guidelines and updates to ensure accuracy and compliance in medical coding practices, enhancing the quality of healthcare documentation for newborn patients.

What is the perinatal period, and why is it important in coding for newborns?

The perinatal period, as defined in Chapter 16 of the ICD-10 coding guidelines, includes the time before birth through the 28th day of life. It's significant because conditions originating in this period may require ongoing coding even beyond the neonatal period. Understanding this definition is crucial for accurate coding and ensuring that conditions are coded throughout a patient's life if they persist.

How do I code for abnormal findings on neonatal screenings?

Abnormal findings on neonatal screenings, such as metabolic disorders or congenital diseases, should be coded with the appropriate codes from Chapter 16, as well as additional codes specific to the condition. It's essential to follow the guidelines for coding abnormal findings accurately to ensure comprehensive documentation.

Are there any conditions that I should not report as secondary diagnoses for newborns?

Yes, conditions that do not meet the criteria for additional diagnosis reporting should not be reported as secondary diagnoses for newborns. If a condition does not require clinical evaluation, treatment, monitoring, or have implications for future healthcare needs, it may not meet the criteria for reporting.

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.