Aetna Introduces a Five-Midnight Medicare Payment Policy
As discussed in my prior articles, Medicare Advantage (MA) organization payments incorporate a beneficiary’s health risk, as determined by diagnoses that map to Centers for
As discussed in my prior articles, Medicare Advantage (MA) organization payments incorporate a beneficiary’s health risk, as determined by diagnoses that map to Centers for
This week, I’m stepping away from my usual updates on the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) to share a deeply personal experience. I hope that
The following topics have a place in your facility-specific coding guidelines: Personal History – Does the facility capture personal history codes? These codes may be
Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA), the federal health insurance programs for seniors and certain younger people with disabilities, have always operated under a principle of
A new quarter began on Oct. 1, an event that usually brings updates to National Coverage Determinations (NCDs). The coding updates included for Oct. 1
Task-based, outcomes measurement versus process improvement generally does not support sustainable long-term results. I was recently asked by a chief financial officer (CFO) what other
These foundational elements are essential to assure that there is a better way to improve CDI. Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) programs continue to evolve over
Many healthcare professionals use these terms interchangeably. Medical decision-making specifically refers to the complexity of establishing a diagnosis and/or selecting a management option. Medical necessity
Quality work reduces the burden of the denial management process. When my children were young, they really enjoyed the movie “The Neverending Story.” It’s about
As the provision of healthcare changes, so too must clinical documentation improvement. I have always been convinced of the strong capabilities of current clinical documentation
Understanding the correct use of chronic condition codes in the coding process. Coders are often confused regarding when they should code co-morbid chronic conditions and
CDI professionals can’t mitigate the magnitude of medical necessity denials by third-party payers. Clinical documentation integrity (CDI) programs, combined with the actions of third-party payers,

Medicare regulations are complex and even seasoned professionals struggle to apply them consistently. Due to overwhelming demand, Dr. Hirsch returns for Part 2 of Ask Dr. Hirsch: Clarifying Medicare’s Most Misunderstood Rules to answer even more of Medicare’s most misunderstood questions, covering inpatient status, observation, SNF access, Medicare Advantage denials, and more. Join Dr. Hirsch as he provides clear, referenced answers to real-world questions submitted by your peers, helping you navigate Medicare compliance with confidence and clarity.

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.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare revenue cycle operations, from coding and auditing to compliance and denials. Join industry leaders Pam Warren (MaineHealth) and Raemarie Jimenez (AAPC) for a live fireside chat exploring how AI is changing workflows, workforce roles, payer-provider dynamics, and compliance risk—and what organizations should be doing now to prepare.

Prepare for FY 2027 IPPS changes with a comprehensive 3-part masterclass covering ICD-10-CM/PCS updates, MS-DRG shifts, NTAPs, compliance risks, and reimbursement strategies.

Stay ahead of FY 2027 reimbursement changes with expert analysis of MS-DRG shifts, NTAP updates, Medicare Code Edits, and emerging technologies impacting inpatient payment accuracy.

Stay ahead of FY 2027 ICD-10-PCS changes with expert analysis of new procedure codes, revised guidelines, and high-impact updates affecting reimbursement, compliance, and inpatient coding accuracy.
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