APR-DRG's

Arizona is moving to an APR-DRG system in October (yup. Just in time for I-10). I am not very familiar with this grouping system beyond using the SOI/ROM metrics and am wondering if anyone can provide some insight. We recently moved to an all-payer review system so we are already reviewing these records though as of yet they are not being paid on a DRG.
Is there anything I should know about APR-DRG's in regards to the grouper or related reimbursement?

Thanks!

Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
Flagstaff Medical Center
Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
Cell: 928.814.9404

Comments

  • Katy: Write me privately and I can e-mail you some materials....I am PTO for about a week, may be some delay...you can call my cell next Monday, if you wish.

    APR is MUCH more complicated, but more clinically 'accurate', than MS-DRG.

    Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS

    Manager, Regional Clinical Documentation & Coding Integrity
    Sutter West Bay
    633 Folsom St., 7th Floor, Office 7-044
    San Francisco, CA 94107
    Cell: 415.637.9002
    Fax: 415.600.1325
    Ofc: 415.600.3739
    evanspx@sutterhealth.org

  • Will do, thanks paul!

    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404

  • Paul,

    I would be interested in these materials also.

    Thank you,

    Mary Lindenboom
    Clinical Documentation Manager
    Flagler Hospital
    Saint Augustine, FL
    904-819-4254
    Mary.lindenboom@flaglerhospital.org

  • edited May 2016
    I am sure the info Paul provides will be excellent as the Medicaid program (MediCal) in California went to APR-DRGs last July but a very quick tutorial follows:

    1. Do not think in terms of MS-DRG MCC/CCs

    2. Code everything

    3. Make sure the diagnoses that affect the APR-DRG are on the bill. Reordering diagnoses may/will be necessary.


    Sharon Salinas, CCS
    Barlow Respiratory Hospital
    2000 Stadium Way, Los Angeles CA 90026
    Tel: 213-250-4200 ext 3336
    ssalinas@barlow2000.org

  • I sent out some basic APR-DRG methodology - the most recent version I have, which is V30.0. A bit dated, but explains some APR-DRG principles.

    Sharon's observations are spot - my only other advice is try to attend an APR-DRG seminar and also use the APR-DRG grouper to the fullest extent possible.



    Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS

    Manager, Regional Clinical Documentation & Coding Integrity
    Sutter West Bay
    633 Folsom St., 7th Floor, Office 7-044
    San Francisco, CA 94107
    Cell: 415.637.9002
    Fax: 415.600.1325
    Ofc: 415.600.3739
    evanspx@sutterhealth.org

  • Meant to say "Sharon's observations are spot ON"

    Paul Evans, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CCDS

    Manager, Regional Clinical Documentation & Coding Integrity
    Sutter West Bay
    633 Folsom St., 7th Floor, Office 7-044
    San Francisco, CA 94107
    Cell: 415.637.9002
    Fax: 415.600.1325
    Ofc: 415.600.3739
    evanspx@sutterhealth.org

  • Thanks Sharon.

    Can you remind me how many codes are reported on the final bill?

    Thanks!

    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404

  • edited May 2016
    Hopefully your software permits submission of up to 18 codes since I believe that is what CMS will accept these days. However it also depends on how many the payer's software accepts so you would want to verify that number.

    Anyone have better info?

    Sharon Salinas, CCS
    Barlow Respiratory Hospital
    2000 Stadium Way, Los Angeles CA 90026
    Tel: 213-250-4200 ext 3336
    ssalinas@barlow2000.org

  • Does the 18 codes include procedures as well?

    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404

  • edited May 2016
    Per MLN Matters(r) Number: MM6851, CMS allows for the submission of 25 ICD9 diagnosis codes and up to 25 procedure codes.

    Dorie Douthit RHIT,CCS
    AHIMA-Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer
    ddouthit@stmarysathens.org


  • edited May 2016
    You are correct!

    Thanks,

    Sharon Salinas, CCS
    Barlow Respiratory Hospital
    2000 Stadium Way, Los Angeles CA 90026
    Tel: 213-250-4200 ext 3336
    ssalinas@barlow2000.org

  • Thanks everyone!

    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404

  • Absolutely Karen!
    Our team does review neonates/PEDS but have not focused on the coding/DRG grouper side of this since we currently are not being paid on a DRG.

    I would love to hear your input as far as what they should be aware of.

    Thanks!

    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404

  • Thank you so much, I REALLY appreciate it :)

    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404

  • Hi Karen,

    I am also interested in this information. Our LOS is much higher than the GMLOS for neonates. We are thinking we may be missing opportunities but are new to reviewing this population. Any information would be helpful.


    Thanks,

    Gina

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