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In This Issue
Industry Insight
Meningitis Outbreak
Prompts EHR Access

During a meningitis outbreak, the Tennessee Department of Health gained electronic access to patient info, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Rochester RHIO Adds EMTs
to Network

Area ambulances have joined the Rochester Regional Health Information Organization and added an EMR to their onboard tools, according to the Rochester Business Journal.
Editor's E-Note
There’s an “I” in CDI, but it’s still a wise move for healthcare organizations to make clincial documentation improvement a team effort. Witness this month’s E-News Exclusive, which details the benefits that can be derived from joining the expertise of CDI specialists with the knowledge of coding staff.

With ICD-10 not far off, this type of collaborative becomes even more important as organizations look to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Lee DeOrio, editor
E-News Exclusives
Indiana Tech
Bring Together CDI and Coding Teams
to Drive Optimal Documentation Results

By Dianne L. Haas, PhD, RN, and Alice O. Zentner, RHIA

An old African proverb states, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This concept takes hold in healthcare as HIM professionals struggle to improve clinical documentation—the foundation for optimal coding, reimbursement, quality reporting, and continuing patient care. Working in silos for decades, clinical documentation improvement (CDI) specialists and clinical coders now are joining forces for better documentation outcomes.

This article explains how to bolster CDI performance through CDI specialist and coder collaboration.

Traditional CDI Falls Short
Traditional CDI programs often fall short of intended goals and desired outcomes. A recent TrustHCS survey revealed that hospitals rank CDI program effectiveness at only 3.25 out of 5. Furthermore, 34% of hospitals don’t even have a CDI program in place. Stated reasons for poor performance include failure to conduct program audits, insufficient staffing, and lack of continuing education.

However, with ICD-10 rapidly approaching and the negative impacts of poor documentation becoming better understood, executive focus is turning to CDI. This is particularly true for multilocation healthcare organizations and those sharing data within a health information exchange or an accountable care organization. Commonly documented concerns include the following:

Full Story »
Ask the Expert
Have a coding or transcription question? Get an expert answer by sending an
e-mail to edit@gvpub.com.

This month’s selection:
A licensed outpatient dialysis center is part of our hospital setting. When a hemodialysis patient comes in for weekly dialysis treatment (three times per week every week), what is the correct way to CPT code this account? I believe it is based on the outpatient monthly CPT code, the number of times evaluation and management is performed by physician, and age. So, for example, for a patient who is older than 20, I believe the correct codes are 90960, 90961, and 90962.

Brenda L. Melone, RN, CPUR, CPC
Director of Outpatient Coding Services
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, Rhode Island

Response »
Industry Insight
University of Wisconsin-Extension Names Director
of New HIM/HIT Degree


University of Wisconsin-Extension has named Frank W. Waterstraat, Jr, RHIA, as director of a new bachelor of science degree in HIM and technology. In his new role, Waterstraat will guide the development of the HIM curriculum to produce graduates who can analyze health data and health information—knowledge that is critical for improving healthcare and reducing costs.

For the past 25 years, Waterstraat served as an associate professor and program director for the HIM program at Illinois State University. During his tenure, he was responsible for ensuring the program’s continued accreditation by the Commission on Health Informatics and Information Management, helping prepare graduates for the nationally recognized RHIA certification.

Read more »
Gift Shop
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Recently in For The Record
Partial to Dictation
When it comes to lessening physician complaints about documenting in an EHR, partial dictation may be just what the doctor ordered. Read more »

ICD-10’s Heavy Footprint
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Patients, Providers Partner to Boost Care
A significant player in meaningful use objectives, patient engagement initiatives have found a home at forward-thinking healthcare organizations. Read more »

Key Trends Shaping PHI Disclosure Management
It promises to be an intriguing year for HIM professionals faced with numerous release-of-information concerns. Read more »
HIMSS Conference News
AHIMA
Precyse Releases New HIM Innovation Community White Paper

Precyse, a provider of HIM technologies and services, released a new white paper from the HIM Innovation Community at HIMSS13. “Health Information Management in 2016: Guiding Principles and a Governance Framework for a Digital Age” was authored by Linda L. Kloss, RHIA, of Kloss Strategic Advisors, Ltd and former CEO of AHIMA in collaboration with Precyse thought leaders and HIM professionals from 30 healthcare institutions in North America.

Full Story »
AAPC Conference Preview
AHIMA
Fun and Learning in Orlando
By Sandra Nestman

AAPC’s 2013 National Conference will take place in Orlando, Florida, at the Coronado Springs Resort. Each conference provides valuable and unique education on the current “hot topics” in the business side of medicine, including anatomy, medical specialty coding, medical auditing and compliance, revenue cycle management, EMR systems, and payer “hot buttons.” This year’s conference also will launch AAPC’s ICD-10-CM code set training.

Full Story »
Tech & Tools
American Academy of Family Physicians Journals Mobile Apps
American Family Physician (AFP) and Family Practice Management (FPM) have launched new mobile apps for tablets and smartphones. Readers can download the AFP journal and FPM journal apps for free and then either subscribe or purchase individual issues. Those who are already print or online subscribers will get free access to the issues associated with the term of their subscription.

emWellics Mobile App
RxEOB has developed emWellics, a mobile app that enables the coordination of access to health plan member data via a mobile phone. The app offers members personalized modules to accelerate their health commitment and wellness goals. Members can quickly and easily access potential savings on generic and therapeutic drug substitutions, possible side effects and interactions with other medications, in-network pharmacy locations, physician appointment preparation tools, personal biometric health tracker log, ID card module, and personal messaging regarding health and wellness maintenance. Learn more »
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