Advanced Search

Inpatient Facility Coding & Compliance Alert

Test Yourself:

How Well Do You Know These DRG Basics?

Published on Fri May 11, 2012

Whether you're new to hospital coding or have been at it a while, occasionally brushing up on basics is always a good idea. Read through five common questions related to DRGs, decide on your answers, and then check your opinions against our information.


Question 1: What does the acronym MS-DRG stand for, and how long have U.S. hospitals been following the classification system?


Question 2: What is the purpose of DRGs?


Question 3: What determines DRG assignment?


Question 4: How do DRGs change?


Question 5: What are the levels of MS-DRG severity?

********

Answer 1: "MS-DRG" stands for Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Groups. CMS began implementing the new MS-DRG system of classifications on Oct. 1, 2007. From that date until Sept. 30, 2008, CMS based payments on a 50/50 blend of MS-DRGs and the previous LTC-DRG system. Beginning Oct. [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Inpatient Facility Coding & Compliance Alert

View All