Physician code creep after the initiation of outpatient volume control program and implications for appropriate ICD-10-CM coding
Physician code creep after the initiation of outpatient volume control program and implications for appropriate ICD-10-CM coding (Springer).
Most studies on the physician code creep (i.e., changes in case mix record-keeping practices to improve reimbursement) have focused on episodes (inpatient hospitalizations or outpatient procedures). Little is known regarding changes in diagnostic coding practices for better reimbursement among a fixed cohort of patients with chronic diseases.
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Conclusions
Physician code creep occurred after the initiation of the OVCP. Education regarding appropriate outpatient coding for physicians will be relatively effective when proper coding is related to reimbursement.