Here we are in July, and the third-quarter 2017 issue of AHA’s (the American Hospital Association’s) Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM/PCS has been released, earlier than we’ve seen in the past. It’s good news that this publication has been released so early, though, because we now can get to reading through the guidance.
Keep in mind that coding conventions and instructions take precedence over the guidelines. AHA Coding Clinic is considered an official source for coding direction and is the result of the work of four cooperating parties: AHA, AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association), CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), and NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics).
For those who focus on the diagnosis side, there are some key areas of which to make note:
I’m sure those who work in coding and clinical documentation improvement (CDI) will want to carefully read the guidance regarding emaciation and Kwashiorkor. Be sure to read the full content of this Coding Clinic issue to gain the complete instruction.
For those who are interested in hospital inpatient procedure coding, then ICD-10-PCS guidance is what you want to read. Here are several of the key coding topics for PCS to read over:
This should give you an idea of some of the great topics for which guidance is now being provided for complete and accurate coding. The list above is not complete, so again, read the full content of the most recent issue to gain comprehensive guidance.
AHA Coding Clinic can be obtained through a paid subscription or through coding software/encoder tools. For more information about obtaining AHA Coding Clinic issues, go online to http://www.ahacentraloffice.org/
As always, it is the responsibility of each coding professional to read the AHA Coding Clinic guidance thoroughly and apply it correctly.
This is also stated in the AHIMA “Standards of Ethical Coding.” Work within your department and/or organization to ensure that all coding staff, coding auditors, and coding educators are reading over the publication on a quarterly basis.
An update to the 2022 Query Practice Brief was released for comment last week during the 2026 National Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS)
There is a certain not-so-hidden gem ICD-10-PCS: the body-part key. PCS coding can be challenging, so it is vital to take advantage of all the
Please log in to your account to comment on this article.
Breast biopsy procedures may be clinically straightforward but accurately translating them into compliant billing can be anything but. In this focused webcast, Shawn Blackburn, CPC, CPMA, CIC, CRC, CCS-P breaks down how imaging guidance, lesion count, laterality, and payer expectations all impact how these procedures should be reported. Through clear explanations and real-world scenarios, you’ll gain practical insight into aligning clinical workflows with billing requirements, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring your documentation supports accurate reimbursement and compliance.
Gain clarity and confidence in OB‑GYN coding with this expert‑led webcast featuring Sherri L. Clayton, RHIT, CSS. You’ll learn how to apply global maternity package rules accurately, select the right CPT codes for procedures and visits, and identify documentation gaps that lead to denials. With practical guidance and real examples, this session helps you strengthen compliance, reduce audit risk, and ensure accurate reimbursement for women’s health services.
Uncover essential coding insights with nationally recognized coding authority Kay Piper, RHIA, CDIP, CCS. Through ICD10monitor’s interactive, on‑demand webcast series, Kay walks you through the AHA’s 2026 ICD‑10‑CM/PCS Quarterly Coding Clinics, translating each update into practical, easy‑to‑apply guidance designed to sharpen precision, ensure compliance, and strengthen day‑to‑day decision‑making. Available shortly after each official release.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s fourth quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Traditional utilization management models can no longer keep pace with regulatory shifts, payer scrutiny, and operational pressures. In this webcast, Tiffany Ferguson, LMSW, CMAC, ACM, ACPA-C, introduces an Adaptive Model strategy that modernizes UM through role specialization, technology-driven workflows, and proactive, team-based processes. Attendees will learn how to restructure programs to improve efficiency, strengthen clinical collaboration, and enhance financial performance in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Federal auditors are intensifying their focus on inpatient psychiatric facilities, using advanced data analytics to spotlight outliers and pursue high‑dollar repayments. In this high‑impact webcast, Michael Calahan, PA, MBA, Compliance Officer and V.P., Hospital & Physician Compliance, breaks down what regulators are really targeting in IPF-PPS admissions, documentation, treatment and discharge planning. Attendees will learn practical steps to tighten processes, avoid common audit triggers and protect reimbursement and reduce the risk of multimillion-dollar repayment demands.
In this timely session, Stacey Shillito, CDIP, CPMA, CCS, CCS-P, CPEDC, COPC, breaks down the complexities of Medical Decision Making (MDM) documentation so providers can confidently capture the true complexity of their care. Attendees will learn practical, efficient strategies to ensure documentation aligns with current E/M guidelines, supports accurate coding, and reduces audit risk, all without adding to charting time.
Join Ronald Hirsch, MD, FACP, CHCQM for The PEPPER Returns – Risk and Opportunity at Your Fingertips, a practical webcast that demystifies the PEPPER and shows you how to turn complex claims data into actionable insights. Dr. Hirsch will explain how to interpret key measures, identify compliance risks, uncover missed revenue opportunities, and understand new updates in the PEPPER, all to help your organization stay ahead of audits and use this powerful data proactively.
Happy HIP Week! Sign up to win free access to our 2026 Coding Clinic Update Webcast Series! Click here to learn more →
Prepare for the 2025 CMS IPPS Final Rule with ICD10monitor’s IPPSPalooza! Click HERE to learn more
Get 15% OFF on all educational webcasts at ICD10monitor with code JULYFOURTH24 until July 4, 2024—start learning today!
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 1 with code CYBER25
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 2 with code CYBER24
