Principal Diagnosis Assignment
Description
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the critical process involved in selecting the principal diagnosis in healthcare coding, particularly when two conditions are present upon a patient's admission to a hospital. This course delves into the official coding guidelines, criteria, and documentation scenarios, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make accurate and informed decisions regarding the principal diagnosis.
Included Lessons:
- Principal Diagnosis Assignment
- Two Conditions Present Upon Admission-“What To Consider When Selecting The Principal Diagnosis”
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting Section II. Selection of Principal Diagnosis
- Admission for Postoperative Management Resource
CEUs available for the following credentials:
AHIMA
CCA, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT, RHIA, CDIP, CHDA, CHPS
Key Takeaways
Completing this course equips medical coders with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed, compliant, and accurate decisions regarding principal diagnosis assignment in complex healthcare scenarios. Some key takeaways of this course include:
- Understanding of Principal Diagnosis: Participants will gain a thorough understanding of what constitutes the principal diagnosis and its significance in healthcare coding, data collection, quality indicators, and reimbursement.
- Coding Guidelines: Coders will become well-versed in the official coding guidelines, particularly those related to the selection of principal diagnoses for inpatient admissions.
- Evaluation Criteria: The course provides coders with criteria for evaluating whether multiple conditions present upon admission meet the criteria for principal diagnosis.
- Real-World Examples: Through real-world scenarios and case studies, coders will learn how to apply the principles and guidelines effectively.
- Resource Intensity: Participants will grasp the concept of resource intensity and its role in choosing the principal diagnosis, ensuring that the coding accurately reflects the utilization of hospital resources.
- Documentation Evaluation: The course teaches coders how to analyze physician documentation, including emergency room records, history and physicals, physicians' orders, and progress notes, to determine the principal diagnosis.
- DRG Assignment: Coders will understand how the choice of principal diagnosis impacts Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) assignment, which is essential for reimbursement and resource allocation.
Benefits of Taking Course
- Improved Ability to Accurately Assign Principal Diagnoses
- Improved DRG Assignment Knowledge
- Strengthened Skills
- Reduced Errors
- Career Advancement
FAQs
What is the principal diagnosis, and why is it important?
Are there instances when an unrelated diagnosis should be chosen as the principal diagnosis?
Yes, in rare cases, an unrelated diagnosis may be selected as the principal diagnosis, but it should align with the circumstances of admission and resource utilization. The principle is to select the diagnosis that most closely relates to the admission reason and services rendered during the hospital stay.
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.
Disclaimer: This course is not available for individual sale. Purchase the Principal Diagnosis Training Plan below and get access to 15 total courses.
Overview
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