Now that we offer a Student Edition of the Coding Suite, a common question is whether students should stick to paper, or if using companion electronic tools offer any advantages.  These are smart questions!  Perhaps after the switch to ICD-10, the testing organizations will be more open to electronic books, but in the mean time, let's discuss the interplay between paper-based and electronic codi

Are you struggling to research coding, payment, medical necessity and compliance rules related to the myriad reviews and issues from your Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) or other investigators?  This article is designed to show you how to get to the most often-requested information as it relates to MS-DRG Validation and Medical Necessity Reviews.  Instructions apply to the Regulation & Reimbursement Suite or Audit & Revenue Resource Center unless otherwise noted.

Medical Decision Making (MDM) is one of the three “key components” of determining the level of an evaluation and management (E/M) service. It is probably the most difficult component of an E/M service to review. MDM is where the providers thought process is quantified and most often the primary role in determining the correct level of service or E/M code.