Differentiate between the official coding guidelines for using V codes in an inpatient and outpatient setting.
To differentiate between the official coding guidelines for using V codes in an inpatient and outpatient setting, you can refer to the coding guidelines provided by the American Hospital Association's (AHA) Coding Clinic and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These guidelines offer specific instructions on how to assign V codes in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Here's how to access and understand these guidelines:
1. AHA Coding Clinic: The AHA's Coding Clinic provides guidance on correct coding practices and various coding scenarios. The publication is available through a paid subscription, and it offers advice for both inpatient and outpatient coding.
To access the AHA Coding Clinic:
- Visit the AHA's official website.
- Navigate to the Coding Clinic page.
- Subscribe to the publication or access it through existing subscriptions.
- Search for the relevant volume or issue that pertains to V codes.
- Review the guidelines provided for V codes in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
2. CMS Guidelines: CMS provides detailed coding guidance through the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. These guidelines are available for free on the CMS website and are regularly updated.
To access the CMS guidelines:
- Visit the CMS website.
- Navigate to the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting page.
- Locate the applicable year's guidelines, as they may differ annually.
- Review the sections relevant to V codes in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
By reviewing the specific guidelines from AHA Coding Clinic and CMS, you'll be able to determine the differences between how V codes should be used in an inpatient versus an outpatient setting. Always ensure you have the most up-to-date guidelines for accurate coding.