Hearr Failure

Snook@fmchealth.org

Good morning everyone. I have a question for all of you. Is there any benefit to physicians documenting the official NYHA classification for heart failure? Our CHF committee is asking. Is there any data to support this additional information being included in the Medical record?

Mary L. Snook RN-BC
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
Fairfield Medical Center
740-689-4443



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m.leblanc

Mary,



It is my opinion that the medical record is for the care of patients and
thus the information contained within is provided for many readers. The NYHA
classification of itself does not lend any value to capturing of the
accurate CHF code but may have clinical value for providers and thus should
be included.



Thanks and look forward to others feedback,



Mark



MARK LEBLANC, RN, MBA, CCDS

DIRECTOR CDI SERVICES



952-353-3505

m.leblanc@thewilshiregroup.net

catladyrn

I have to say I completely agree with Mark. While I would likely never query for the NYHA classification, I would also never discourage a provider from adding clarity to the medical record using current clinical nomenclature. Categories such as NYHA classification and AHA/ACC heart failure stages do not impact the coding assignment but can communicate a great deal about what is going on with the heart failure patient.

Renee

Linda Renee Brown, RN, MA, CCDS, CCS, CDIP
Director, Clinical Documentation
Tanner Health System