Assigning Discharge Dispositions (Audio Conference)

AUDIOCONFERENCE ON TAPE, CD OR AUDIO ARCHIVE

Sponsored by Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies

presented on September 14, 2007

When patients are discharged from a hospital, coding staff must assign the proper discharge disposition code depending on where the patient is going. Since the last major update to the post-acute transfer policy, the discharge dispositions coders assign can dramatically affect reimbursement and potentially cause compliance problems.

This year CMS has proposed to adopt Medicare Severity DRGs (MS-DRGs), which alters and expands the number of post-acute care transfer DRGs. It’s a sweeping change that you can’t afford to overlook.

To help your facility successfully manage hospital discharges, our speakers provide solid guidance on assigning proper discharge dispositions with reimbursement scenarios. They offer strategies to foster a team approach, with coding/HIM and case management playing active roles. We will help you stay on top of the changes, collect every penny your hospital deserves, and keep your hospital compliant with the regulations.

At the conclusion of this audioconference, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the specific discharge dispositions included under the post-acute care policy and how acute care facilities are reimbursed for these DRGs
• Communicate the impact of the changes occurring through the implementation of MS-DRGs
• Utilize the guidance provided by the National Uniform Billing Committee on assigning discharge dispositions
• 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

AGENDA

• Discharge dispositions included under the post-acute care setting
• Calculating reimbursement
  • DRG
  • Transfer DRG
  • Special Pay Transfer DRG
• Changes under Medicare Severity (MS-DRGs)
  • Expansion of DRGs
  • Differences in relative weights
  • View different scenarios
  • Changes under the post-acute care setting
• Long term acute care
• Acute rehab
• Skilled nursing facility
• UB-04 Manual
  • National Uniform Billing Committee (NUBC) update to FAQ
• Best practices
  • Case Management—documenting the discharge disposition
  • Electronic communication tools
  • Written communication tool
  • Follow-up / post-discharge phone call
  • Post-billing external review of 835 files
• Q&A 

BONUS TOOLS

In addition to the expertise and advice presented during this audioconference, you'll also receive a slide presentation of the program materials and these valuable tools:

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

These materials are provided with PDF links.

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 20 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 initiatives, clinical documentation improvement, and coding compliance solutions in the healthcare arena. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION 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.

WHO SHOULD LISTEN?
HIM directors, managers, and coding staff—including outpatient, ambulatory, and orthopedic coders; compliance managers and staff; finance, billers, and business office staff; third party payers; consultants. Orthopedic physicians may also find the program of interest.

YOUR MATERIALS PACKET
A slide presentation of the program materials is provided with PDF links.

NEW PARTICIPATION OPTION: Audio Archive
In addition to the regular participation options for HCPro audioconferences, audio tape or audio CD, we are pleased to offer a new option, an audio archive. An audio archive allows you to download the program and play it back at your convenience on your computer or MP3 player.

Purchase a tape, CD, or audio archive 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.

• Audio Conferences

• Other Health Information Management Products