Discharge Dispositions: Survive Recovery Audit Contractors and OIG Audits

Audio Conference on CD or Audio On-Demand

Sponsored by Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies

presented on October 23, 2008

When patients are discharged from a hospital, coding staff must assign the proper discharge disposition code depending on where the patient is going. Selecting the wrong code can dramatically affect reimbursement, cause compliance problems, and potentially lead to Medicare denials.

The OIG has discharge disposition coding on its radar through the Work Plan. It's a timely and an important topic, made more so by the nationwide advent of recovery audit contractors (RACs).

Listen to HCPro for this important 90-minute audio conference. Our expert speakers provide solid guidance on assigning proper discharge dispositions—including under the post acute care transfer (PACT) policy—and show you how to link the key players from HIM, revenue cycle, and case management into a team that understands how to protect revenue and maintain compliance. You'll also learn about billing nuances, including the proper use of condition codes 42 and 43.

At the conclusion of this audio conference, you will be able to:

1. Accurately assign discharge dispositions to difficult scenarios
2. Understand the implications for revenue and compliance risk associated with MS-DRGs
3. Utilize the guidance provided by the National Uniform Billing Committee (NUBC) and be prepared for RACs and the OIG
4. Discuss best practices being utilized across the country to help manage the assignment of discharge dispositions and the reimbursement and compliance implications associated with them

TAKE A LOOK AT THE AGENDA

1. Overview of discharge dispositions and reporting requirements
1. National Uniform Billing Committee guidelines
2. UB-04 reporting
3. Use of condition codes 42 and 43
2. Discharge dispositions included under the post-acute care setting
1. Important 2009 updates to list
2. Payment examples
3. Compliance and auditing concerns
1. RACs
2. OIG Work Plan
4. Best reporting and documenting practices
1. Case Management—documenting the discharge disposition
2. Electronic communication tools
3. Written communication tool
4. Follow-up / post-discharge phone call
5. Post-billing external review of 835 files

A question and answer session follows the presentation.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Sheryl Spohn, RHIA, is the director of coding assurance at WellStar Health System in Atlanta, GA. She is experienced in coding and reimbursement, regulatory compliance, documentation requirements pertaining to utilization/case management, quality improvement, and implementing health information and reimbursement systems. She speaks nationally on topics pertaining to physician documentation, inpatient and outpatient prospective payment systems, and revenue cycle and compliance initiatives.

Sandy Nicholson, MA, RHIA, CCS-P, is founder and CEO of HCR Solutions, LLC, an HIM consulting firm focusing on coding compliance and reimbursement education in Locust Grove, GA. She has more than 21 years experience in HIM consulting and HIM administration in hospitals and physician practices. She is a nationally recognized speaker on topics pertinent to CMS/OIG

CONTINUING EDUATION CREDITS

This program has prior approval of the American Academy of Professional Coders for 1.5 Continuing Education Units. Granting of this approval in no way constitutes endorsement by the Academy of the program, content or the program sponsor. Credits expire September 30, 2009.

This program has been approved for 2 continuing education units for use in fulfilling the continuing education requirements of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Credits expire December 31, 2008.

BONUS MATERIAL INCLUDED IN YOUR MATERIALS PACKET

In addition to the expertise and advice presented during this audio conference, you'll also receive a slide presentation of the program materials and copies of the following:

• Sample communication forms
• List of DRGs covered under post-acute care setting policy

These materials are provided with PDF links.

WHO SHOULD LISTEN?

HIM managers and directors, coding managers and directors, inpatient coding staff, reimbursement analysts, decision support, compliance officers, internal auditors, and financial analysts.

AUDIO ON-DEMAND

In addition to the regular purchase options for HCPro audio conferences, we are pleased to offer another option, audio on-demand. Audio on-demand allows you to download the program and play it back at your convenience through your computer or MP3 player. Purchase a CD or audio on-demand of the program and listen when you can. It's also a perfect training tool for new staff or as a refresher for veteran staff.

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