Gain an understanding of practical application of principal diagnosis selection while incorporating justifiable procedures and services.
In this material, we will examine diagnosis versus procedures with regard to determining what should be coded, and how the coder has to identify two main elements: the diagnosis and the procedure. There is much more involved in the coding process than just looking up a term and assigning the code next to that term. We will explain the guidelines as some are complicated and complex. The procedure is "what is done," and the diagnosis is "why it is done." We will focus on the why. If a patient has a tonsillectomy because of acute tonsillitis, then the coder recognizes that "what is done" is the tonsillectomy, and "why it is done" refers to tonsillitis. There must be at least one diagnosis for each procedure performed, as payers require proof that services are medically necessary. The diagnosis is usually the determining factor to justify procedures and various services. We will discuss what should be coded and the rules that come into play for coders/billers to follow, and translate the rules and ease the complexity in order to be compliant.
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Why Lorman?
Over 34 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.
Agenda
Coding Accuracy
- There Is a Rhyme and Reason of Selecting a Principal Diagnosis
- Why Does Proper Sequencing Matter?
- Strategies That You Should Consider
Document, Document and Document Some More
- Painting an Accurate Picture of What Is Happening With the Patient
- The Devil Being in the Detail of a Note
Guidelines and Instruction
- Rules for Coding
- Introducing Hcc and What That Means
- Defensive Coding and Medical Necessity
- Who Is at Risk?
- Medicare and the List of Unacceptable Primary Diagnosis Codes
- Is There a Document to Reference?
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Why Lorman?
Over 34 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.
Credits
OnDemand Course
This course was last revised on April 30, 2019.
Call 1-866-352-9540 for further credit information.
This program does NOT qualify, nor meet the National Standard for NASBA accreditation.
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Why Lorman?
Over 34 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.
Faculty

Rhonda Granja, B.S., CMC, CMA, CPC, CMOM
Rhonda Granja Consulting
- Independent medical consultant
- Past faculty member for Practice Management Institute
- Lead instructor at The Medical Management Institute
- Speaker at the 2014 AMBA National Conference
- McVey seminar leader
- Panel speaker for The Coding Leader
- Panel speaker at Compliance World
- Exhibitor at NAMAS National Conference 2019
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Why Lorman?
Over 34 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.

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