AHIMA Launches Service to Answer ICD-10 Questions

AHIMA's highly educated, experienced, and credentialed experts are now available to the industry to answer the most challenging coding questions for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS.

AHIMA Code-Check, built on the association's more than 85 years of excellence and knowledge in HIM, is a new coding service that will answer coding questions from members and nonmembers within one business day. AHIMA Code-Check can be purchased by individuals and organizations on a subscription or as-needed basis. The service will debut Oct. 12.

"We are pleased to introduce AHIMA Code-Check to coincide with the early days of the ICD-10 transition at the time when there is the biggest need for additional services and expertise around the new code set," says AHIMA CEO Lynne Thomas Gordon, MBA, RHIA, CAE, FACHE, FAHIMA. "AHIMA Code-Check doesn't just provide answers to questions but will show all the key steps for how the correct code was arrived at. It can be an important and ongoing source of continuing education."

AHIMA Code-Check, which was designed with physicians, coders, coding managers, CDI specialists, revenue cycle managers, and more in mind, features the following:

• expert interpretation and guidance on necessary pathways for accurate code assignment;

• nomenclature and terminology relationships vital to correct coding paths;

• solutions with cited sources;

• guidelines for when to query for necessary documentation; and

• identification of patient care variables that affect CPT and HCPCS codes.

Especially important to organizations, AHIMA Code-Check offers the ability to purchase larger quantity subscriptions. These subscriptions can be shared among a large physician practice, entire coding departments, and even CDI specialists. Unlike other services, AHIMA Code-Check is unique in its ability to combine all four classification systems into one service. This provides the industry with one location that answers all of their questions and then brings those answers together in standardized quarterly reports.

All answers will be based on sound coding guidelines released from both AHA Coding Clinic and AMA CPT Assistant.

Reporting tools will provide a breakdown of questions including classification system, specialty topic, and subtopics. This helpful service will allow managers the ability to view and share their respective staffs' questions and solutions. As a result, managers can better target specific learning needs through identifying the types of questions that are asked by staff members.

"Our vision for AHIMA Code-Check is that every claim will be submitted with accurate and complete codes within the respective classification systems," says Lou Ann Wiedemann, MS, RHIA, CDIP, CHDA, FAHIMA, vice president of HIM practice excellence at AHIMA. "At this pivotal point in the health care industry, AHIMA is focused on ensuring quality data through accurate code assignment."

Beginning in 2016, AHIMA will develop annual white papers with analysis and answers to some of the most commonly asked and challenging questions posed to AHIMA's experts. They will be featured on AHIMA's website.

AHIMA Code-Check is part of the CheckPoint Services offered by AHIMA, designed to provide practical assistance to HIM professionals.

Source: AHIMA