The second edition has been revised to incorporate updates on the following important issues:

• The latest ICD-9-CM and CPT guidelines
• Explains how language and terminology will change when ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS are implemented
• New coding categories for emerging diseases like SARS and West Nile virus 
• New systems for outpatient coding
• HIPAA mandated standardized code sets
• New measures taken by OIG to ensure coding accuracy to combat fraud
• Expanded diagnosis and procedure sections
   

Provides physicians with information to better understand the coding process and how coders work.

Gives specifics about the level of detail needed in documentation in order to assure accurate and complete coding.

Includes documentation rules and checklists for dozens of diagnosis and procedure categories.

The book’s emphasis on concepts and principles of coding as a basis for defining documentation requirements -- as opposed to specific code numbers -- prevents it from going out of date.

This book will help you:

• Accurately code documents for dozens of diagnosis and procedure categories
• Maximize reimbursement payments by accurately coding documents
• Realize why being specific is essential to payable coding
• Understand the implications of the transition to ICD-10-CM
• Comply with important new coding guidelines