Coding
Five things to know about Present on Admission (POA) for hospital payment, quality
By Brian Murphy Present on admission (herein POA) for coding purposes is defined as conditions that are present at the time the order for the inpatient admission occurs. It’s important to get POA status right, as it impacts payment and quality metrics. POA conditions (as reported with a Y) count as CCs or MCCs, whereas…
Read MoreHow a baseline became a springboard to documentation, coding improvement
What gets measured, gets managed. An old business truth … but we don’t always think of the inverse. Without a baseline, you won’t know where to focus. An integrated healthcare system comprised of county-owned hospitals and clinics suspected it was leaving severity and revenue on the table, but wisely didn’t want to dive straight into education without a clear starting line. With its provider and coding teams busy delivering care and getting claims out the door it turned to Norwood for help. Our work …
Read MoreMorbid obesity vs. Class 3 obesity for medical coding: Which to use—and which is accepted?
By Brian Murphy A mid-revenue cycle professional lamented on a recent call that their CDI program is hindered because physicians don’t want to diagnose “morbid obesity.” It has become a fraught term, seen as demeaning to the patient. I get it. The good news is, Class 3 obesity has come to the rescue. Or has…
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