Medical coders are going to need to know the right root operation when coding procedures in ICD-10-PCS. Here's a case where better documentation is going to help.

There also is a training option.  Donna Smith  suggests recruiting physicians to teach medical coders what happens in common procedures. At the same time, medical coders could show the physicians how those procedures will be coded in ICD-10-PCS.

This example shows that not every training needs seminars or outside classes. It utilizes the expertise you have in-house to improve ICD-10 preparedness.

To help with that, here are some examples using ICD-10 codes:

• Taking a Bite Out of ICD 10: When Animals Attack: This may sound unnecessary but there are 312 animal codes. (ICD 10 Fridays)

• ICD-10-CM coding for conference calamities: Some conventional diagnoses in ICD-10-CM. (ICD-10 Trainer)

• Bleed Location Directs Your Hemorrhage Coding In ICD-10: ICD-10 will require a closer look at the anesthesiologist’s documentation for details about the hemorrhage location and timing. (SuperCoder)

• ICD-10-CM: Just in “Case-3”!: This week they cover diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs (CollaborateMD)

• Falling Down the Rabbit Hole with TTOs: How to code trans-tracheal-oxygenation in ICD-10-PCS. (HIMagine That!)

This is a weekly feature that I use to highlight practical tips on how to use and understand ICD-10-CM/PCS codes. Please let me know of any other sources that I can include.