Covid 19 coding as of September 1st clarification please
We are trying to sort out whether or not we code U07.1 on admits starting September 1st when they have a negative test but the record states "Clinical presentation of Covid 19". Prior to September 1st we were coding "clinical presentation of Covid 19" as U07.1 prior to today.
On August 19 there was a release stating: CMS will require positive COVID-19 test results for increased inpatient payment.
The first sentence states:
Inpatient novel coronavirus (COVID-19) claims will require a positive test result to be eligible for the 20% increase in MS-DRG weighting factor, effective on or after September 1st. The test must be performed within 14 days of admission, and the results must be documented in the patients medical record.
Comments
My understanding is that you still code it based on the current guidelines. However, the 20% increase that goes along with it requires evidence of a positive result in the record. If there is not, your business office must opt-out of the 20% increase that is associated with it.
Hello, Fast forward and it's November 3, 2020 now. We have patient's being admitted Inpatient that have tested positive at the SNF. To obtain the 20% increase in the MS-DRG these require an additional test in the Inpatient setting? Or is the documentation from the provider that they tested positive prior to admission going to be sufficient?
Thanks,