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Training Plans

Secondary Diagnosis Coding

Instructor

Patricia Maccariella-Hafey, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P, CIRCC

Description

This comprehensive training plan equips medical coders with essential knowledge and skills in secondary diagnosis coding, vital for outpatient settings including emergency departments, clinics, ancillary services, and outpatient surgeries. Participants will gain proficiency in adhering to official coding guidelines, discerning when to report secondary diagnosis codes as per UHDDS criteria, and understanding the nuanced requirements for outpatient coding. The training plan also delves into the invaluable insights offered by the AHA Coding Clinic, Third Quarter, 2021, providing real-world examples and expert guidance. With a focus on precision and compliance, this training plan ensures coders are well-prepared to accurately document and report secondary diagnoses in outpatient encounters, optimizing patient care and healthcare record integrity.

Key Takeaways

Medical coders who complete this training plan on Secondary Diagnosis Coding will leave with the following key learning takeaways:

  • Comprehensive Understanding of Secondary Diagnosis Coding Guidelines: Participants will gain a solid foundation in the official coding guidelines for secondary diagnosis coding, enabling them to accurately identify and code secondary diagnoses.
  • Critical Decision-Making Skills: Coders will learn when and when not to report secondary diagnosis codes, aligning their coding practices with the Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS) criteria. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring proper reimbursement and compliance.
  • Proficiency in Outpatient Coding: The training plan focuses on the specific nuances of outpatient coding, preparing coders for the unique challenges and requirements of coding in settings such as emergency departments, clinics, ancillary services, and outpatient surgeries.
  • Application of Recent Coding Clinic Guidance: Participants will be equipped with the latest insights from the AHA Coding Clinic, Third Quarter, 2021, and will be able to apply this knowledge to real-world coding scenarios, enhancing accuracy and compliance.
  • Error Reduction and Quality Improvement: By mastering secondary diagnosis coding, coders can contribute to reducing coding errors, improving the quality of healthcare records, and optimizing patient care, all while ensuring proper reimbursement for healthcare facilities.

Benefits to Taking Training Plan

  • Enhanced Coding Accuracy for Secondary Diagnosis
  • Compliance Assurance
  • Greater Coding Proficiency
  • Career Advancement
  • Up-to-Date Knowledge
  • Error Reduction

FAQs

Why is learning and understanding secondary diagnosis coding important for medical coders?

Learning secondary diagnosis coding is vital for medical coders because it ensures accurate and compliant coding practices, impacting reimbursement for healthcare facilities and contributing to high-quality patient care.

How do secondary diagnosis coding guidelines differ for outpatient encounters compared to inpatient settings?

Secondary diagnosis coding in outpatient settings, such as emergency departments, clinics, and ancillary services, has distinct requirements. Coders should focus on conditions that impact the current encounter, treatment, or length of stay. In contrast, inpatient coding may include conditions related to previous episodes. Understanding these differences is essential for outpatient coders to accurately code secondary diagnoses.

How will completing this training plan impact my career as a medical coder?

Completing this training plan will enhance your skills and proficiency in secondary diagnosis coding, making you a more valuable asset to healthcare institutions. It can lead to career advancement opportunities, increased earning potential, and the ability to contribute to better patient care and healthcare record accuracy.

About our Training Plans

HIAlearn Training Plans are developed to educate the coder in specific coding topics that have proven to be problematic. They are designed to focus on one area in detail, providing the coder with a thorough clinical knowledge of the diagnosis or procedure utilizing videos, photos, and valid websites to aid the coder in fully understanding the topic. Official coding advice and scenarios are utilized to integrate the clinical knowledge provided. Once you complete all the lessons within one course, a 10 question quiz follows. Upon completion, students will have a thorough knowledge of clinical concepts and coding guidelines of the particular topic. Participants have the option to submit their completion certificates to AHIMA, with a selection also available for AAPC CEU(s).  Learn more about us »

Overview
Price
Cost : $55.99
Courses
Courses : 5
certificate
AHIMA CEUs : 5
certificate
AAPC CEUs : 3
Calendar HIAlearn
Access : 30 days
3-4
Language : English
Code Type