Talk Ten Tuesdays Podcasts

Substance abuse is a pervasive issue with profound implications for hospitals.

It has been estimated that up to 25 percent of hospitalized patients have a substance abuse disorder. And up to 44 percent of these patients abuse some substance during hospitalization. The annual estimated hospital cost for treating substance abuse disorders is as high as $13 billion.

But it’s not limited to patients, according to physician and attorney Dr. John K. Hall, who will be the special guest during the next live edition of Talk Ten Tuesdays.

According to Dr. Hall, estimates show that up to 15 percent of physicians and 20 percent of nurses also have a substance abuse disorder. It affects patient outcomes, hospital operations, financial health, and the broader healthcare system. The complexity of substance use disorders requires a nuanced understanding of diagnostic categories, accurate coding, and awareness of the legal and employment ramifications.

The popular weekly Internet broadcast will also feature these additional instantly recognizable panelists, who will report more news during their segments:

• Social Determinants of Health: Tiffany Ferguson, CEO for Phoenix Medical Management, Inc., will report on the news that is happening at the intersection of medical record auditing and the SDoH;

• CDI Report: Cheryl Ericson, Director of clinical documentation integrity (CDI) for the vaunted Brundage Group, will have the latest CDI updates;

• The Coding Report: Christine Geiger, Assistant Vice President of Acute and Post-Acute Coding Services for First Class Solutions, will report on the latest coding news;

• News Desk: Timothy Powell, ICD10monitor national correspondent, will anchor the Talk Ten Tuesdays News Desk; and

• Point of View: Dr. James S. Kennedy, who will be sitting in for Angela Comfort, will report on a topic that has captured his attention.