Key considerations for revenue cycle teams to optimize coding and maximize revenue during COVID-19
A new code for COVID-19 discharges offers a 20% bump in the assigned MS-DRG payment from CMS. Clinicians should know that a positive test result is not required to establish a COVID-19 diagnosis for coding purposes. If a patient admitted with a respiratory diagnosis then tests positive for COVID-19, coders can link the result to the respiratory illness. With new legislation such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act supplying grants to help stabilize hospitals and health systems, documentation and coding become increasingly vital for providers to capture the available funding. An unprecedented off-cycle adoption of code U07.1, COVID-19 , effective with discharges on and after April 1, 2020, was announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in mid-March. As provided in the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, the coding guidance for COVID-19 has unique features that all coding professionals and clinical documentation special