Learn How to Apply ICD 10 Codes for Dementia, Brain Compression & Encephalopathy

Learn How to Apply ICD 10 Codes for Dementia, Brain Compression & Encephalopathy

The brain is the body’s control center, and when it experiences disorders, the impacts can be life-altering. To aid coding professionals in accurately identifying and coding these complex conditions, YES HIM Consulting has developed the Refresh With YES: CM Brain Disorders – Compression, Dementia, and Encephalopathy learning series. This three-part educational path offers a detailed exploration into the diagnosis coding of brain compression, encephalopathy, and dementia, guided by ICD-10-CM standards. This series provides essential knowledge, helping coders ensure accurate reporting and compliance while earning 1 AAPC and AHIMA CEU in just one hour.

Learning Objectives for CM Brain Disorders Series

The CM Brain Disorders series covers the following key objectives:

• Nontraumatic and Traumatic Brain Compression: Discussion of the differences between nontraumatic and traumatic brain compression, including herniation, and how these conditions affect brain function.
• Anatomy and Causes of Brain Compression: An exploration of the brain’s structure and its vulnerabilities to compression due to injury, hemorrhage, tumors, or other conditions.
• Traumatic Brain Injury and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): Examination of coding related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) with insights into using the GCS for accurate assessment and code assignment.
• Types of Encephalopathy: A comprehensive review of the different forms of encephalopathy, each with distinct causes and coding guidelines.
• Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): Introduction to ICANS, an emerging neurotoxicity associated with certain cancer therapies.
• Dementia Coding and Severity Levels: An overview of dementia, including how to code for various severities and complications like Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD).
• Coding Guidelines and Resources: A highlight of the Official Coding Guidelines and relevant Coding Clinic articles, ensuring coders stay compliant and up to date with industry standards.

Brain Compression

Brain compression refers to increased pressure on the brain, either from internal sources like swelling or external causes like trauma. Nontraumatic brain compression can arise from conditions such as tumors, while traumatic compression often results from head injuries. Herniation, a severe complication where brain tissue is forced through a small opening, may occur in both scenarios. The brain compression section provides coders with the knowledge to accurately differentiate between these conditions and assign the appropriate ICD-10-CM codes, which is crucial for clinical documentation and patient outcomes.

Dementia

Dementia is a broad term used to describe various neurodegenerative conditions that result in cognitive decline, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. The dementia portion of the learning series breaks down the different stages of dementia, ranging from mild to severe. It offers coders guidance on how to account for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). It also addresses coding for common forms like Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Accurate coding of dementia helps clinicians provide better care and track disease progression.

Encephalopathy

Encephalopathy is a general term for brain dysfunction caused by various factors, including infections, toxins, or metabolic imbalances. The encephalopathy portion highlights the diverse causes of this condition, from hepatic to septic encephalopathy, and how coders can differentiate between them for precise coding. A particular focus is given to the coding and documentation of emerging conditions such as ICANS, helping professionals stay current with new coding challenges.

Comprehensive Knowledge with Clinical Examples

Each section within this series includes theoretical knowledge and practical examples. Real-world clinical scenarios illustrate how these conditions present in patients and guide coders through the process of determining the correct ICD-10-CM codes. This practical approach reinforces learning and ensures coders are ready to apply this knowledge immediately.

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