INPATIENT CODING QUESTIONS

I am currently in on-line college for Medical Insurance Billing and Coding. I would like to know if there are any tips or quick guides for all areas and from any coders that you made up for quick reference for your own use, like a quick cheat sheet, generic like, I need a system for the correct steps when coding so I make sure I have all the info from the example charts that I need to code. I can do well on most, but it is the unusual and simple ones that I over look or not check for. Any help or advise, tutor, mentor would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to All.

plmmyers@ftitel.net

PamColo in Pleasant View, Colorado said: I am currently in on-line college for Medical Insurance Billing and Coding. I would like to know if there are any tips or quick guides for all areas and from any coders that you made up for quick reference for your own use, like a quick cheat sheet, generic like, I need a system for the correct steps when coding so I make sure I have all the info from the example charts that I need to code. I can do well on most, but it is the unusual and simple ones that I over look or not check for. Any help or advise, tutor, mentor would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to All.

plmmyers@ftitel.net

Pam,

unfortunately, its called experience. There really isn't a quick way to learn all of the different rules and guidelines, (especially for all of the different specialties and areas of coding) other than to just code them and learn from your mistakes. Just keep practicing different coding scenarios, it does get easier with experience and practice.

Pam,

I sent you an email.

valentine in Austin, Texas said: Which version of Faye Brown do you have? I have a 2010 version and it says that as well, that CHF with HTN should be coded as 428.0 and 401.9, but there was a coding clinic from the Fourth Quarter, 2010 Pg 138:

The word "with" should be interpreted to mean "associated with" or "due to" when it appearsin a code title, alphabetic index or instructional note.

CC 3Q 2011, Pg 6 states that depression and anxiety should be coded as 311 and 300.00 because there is no "linkage" between the two conditions. However, if the provider documented depression WITH anxiety, assign code 300.4

That to me says that the word "with" is a linkage between 2 conditions, so it should be considered CHF due to hypertension.

I have only been coding inpatient for about 6 months, so if there is someone who has more experience that can help out with this situation, that would be great.

In order to use 402 ,it should be documented hypertensive heart or due to hypertension. I think there is no linkage to use 40291. To me the cose is 4280 and 4019.Thanks.

Lorraine W. in Connersville, Indiana said: Please keep this thread limited to INPATIENT coding questions and answers. Thanks!

Can anyone provide guidance on coding spinal fusion?
How do you know what levels to code if a C7 to T1 fusion was coded?
The coders at our facility think you should use 81.05 and 81.03.

I am a new Inpatient Hospital Coder, I struggle with coding hip replacement surgies and how to identify what is part of the procedure and what is beyond to code the correct codes. I have searched for a descriptive surgery but cannot locate one. Could someone please tell me what codes (procedure)would you code in a THR???