Q:
What should be the first reference for MDS/NAC or IDT members when searching for a diagnosis code?
A:
The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting (Guidelines) for the current fiscal year should always be the first reference consulted. These guidelines are updated twice a year, in October and April, and are managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Center for Health Statistics. They provide supplementary rules to help with the coding and sequencing of diagnoses and must be adhered to under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for all healthcare settings, including Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs).
Sarah Becker RN, RAC-CT, DNS-CT, QCP
Director of Clinical Reimbursement
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