• Hypertension Queries - Hypertension is a complex diagnosis. InstaCode can help.
• Claim Rejects -There is no substitute for a clean claim!
• Teamwork - Teamwork improves effectiveness & efficiency.
• Coding and Cows Analogy - Like a milking stool, there are three legs to good solid coding.
• 1998 InstaCode Products Preview - ICD-9 Software, New: DeskBook for Primary Care

[Note: This only applies to those who have the old 1997 version (1.1). These queries have been greatly simplified in the 1998 version]

It has been reported that hypertension queries aren't easy. Since our goal is to make your life easier, we've reviewed the challenge. Part of the problem is that hypertension is a complex diagnosis with numerous key components. To make your searches easier in the future, we are currently developing a specialized query (just like the neoplasm query) for our 1998 version. In the meantime, the following directions should be helpful:

1. Press F2 (or click the query button)

2. Type the word: hypertension

3. Now enter the type (i.e. malignant, benign or unspecified) and any other pertinent information.

3. If there are more than 15-20 hits, it is probably a good idea to go to the index (see below).

To go Hypertension in the index:

A. Press Ctrl+G to bring up the Go to box.

B. Type 17127 and press <Enter>.

C. This should take you to the hypertension group in the Alphabetic index to diseases.

D. Now use F3, the Next button or page up and down to review possible choices.

Historically, if a claim did not contain all the essential information, it was still entered into the system at the insurance company and placed in a "pend" mode until the pertinent information was received -- a very costly process.

Today, Medicare (and others may follow) requires all relevant information to be on the claim before processing. They simply reject! No appeal folks! After all, if the processor does not enter the claim, there is no claim to appeal.

ANSWER: Start all over again. This time, ensure that all appropriate information is where it needs to be on the claim form. There is no substitute for excellence and a clean claim!

Teamwork Improves Effectiveness & Efficiency

The most common problem of coding in an office is the lack of teamwork of all involved in the process. InstaCode ICD-9 software is a valuable tool to help the doctor and staff. However, as a useful tool, it cannot replace the doctor or the staff. Often a doctor assumes that finding the code is always an easy process.

In many cases this is true if only a generalized category or heading is available. However, with the current "highest specificity" rules and regulations, it can be very frustrating at times.

Some diagnostic codes such as chicken pox are fairly straightforward and simple. However, a diagnosis like hypertension or diabetes requires much more information because of the diverse ways it can be categorized.

If there is incomplete information in the chart, it can be impossible for the most competent coding staff to arrive at the proper code.

Now that we have your attention, we have an analogy to share. This summer while visiting a farm, a three legged milk stool was noted in a dairy barn. The three legs on the stool kept it upright and functional.

Imagine sitting on a three legged stool. If just one of those legs is missing, wobbly, or broken, you are at risk and could go down for a brus'n!

Importantly, there are also three legs to good solid coding. If just one leg is missing or wobbly (weak), your office is also in trouble.

If we want to get our milk (our proper reimbursement), we must have a solid foundation (use specific and solid codes).

Now let's compare the three legs of a milking stool to coding: 1-doctor, 2-staff, 3-InstaCode. All three are essential to get the job done.

The first leg is the doctor. They are acquainted with the history and physical. They know the facts. Yes, they are busy, and most do not have the time to verify each code, especially when patients need to be seen.

The second leg is the staff. Doctors need to delegate whenever possible. That is why the need for a good coding assistant. A great staff is essential to the reimbursement process.

InstaCode is the third leg. It helps to find the codes in a quick and easy fashion. We strive for excellence in providing the most efficient (quick and easy) ICD diagnostic searching tools possible.

Not all coding resolutions are found as quickly as desired. If documentation in the records does not lead the coder to the highest specificity, the doctor's help is essential. Without that help, the stool will fall over.

PLAN - Every office should have a simplified communication protocol. When assistance or more information is required, establish a special "coding help needed" charting box or an appointed time for a "huddle" to expedite the information process.

Advice to Doctors: Sometimes more data is really needed. Your staff hates to bother you for more information, and might hesitate with a needed query. Have a daily routine or huddle. Ask, "Do you need more information?"

Advice to Staff: Don't guess what the code might be. If it is not documented, don't code. Encourage needed and completed rational in the chart for each code selection.

Together, we'll be a great coding team!

Our goal at InstaCode is to make things quick and easy for you. With the upcoming annual update of ICD-9 codes on October 1, 1997, now is a good time to let you know about our upcoming attractions.

InstaCode ICD-9 Software:

To make our software more useful we have added the following enhancements to our 1998 version.

1. "See" and "see also" descriptions in the index now have jumps to the referenced descriptions.
   
2. Specialized queries for hypertension and burns.
   
3. Ability to narrow search by primary care codes.
   
4. An improved "Help" reference.
   
5. "Use additional code" and "Use additional E code" descriptions are color coded to make them easier to identify.

InstaCode DeskBook for Primary Care:

Due to numerous requests, we are introducing a convenient desk reference book for primary care providers. This reference book includes excerpts from ICD-9-CM, CPT-4, HCPCS and RVU's that are relevant and commonly used in primary care. No more need to buy all the "big books"!

Other products:

We now offer one stop shopping! We are official re-sellers of Medicode books for those of you who really want or need those big books for ICD-9, CPT, HCPCS, etc.

InstaCode's Quick & Easy Quarterly Newsletter is published for the exclusive use of InstaCode Institute friends and clients. Any decisions based upon this information are the sole responsibility of the reader and users.

© Copyright 1997, InstaCode Institute, LC - All rights reserved.