Articles by Janine Mothershed

Coding Aug 15, 2026

Acute on Chronic Kidney Failure: Nephrology Medical Coding Scenario Clarified

Acute kidney failure coding requires careful review of provider documentation, laboratory findings, chronic kidney disease staging, and contributing conditions.

Coding Jul 30, 2026

Medical Coding: Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, commonly referred to as “mono” , is a viral infection most often caused by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) . It is frequently seen in adolescents and young adults and is characterized by fatigue, fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy.

Coding Jul 14, 2026

Medical Coding Clarified for Single-Chamber Pacemaker Insertion

The ventricular lead was described as a screw-in, steroid-eluting lead placed into the apex of the right ventricle.

Coding Jul 13, 2026

Medical Coding an ER Consult for Peripheral Vascular Disease, Leg Pain, and Possible Hernia Pain in 2026

When a patient arrives in the emergency room with multiple complaints , coding can get tricky fast. In this chart, the patient presents with hernia pain, possible blood in the stool, nausea, vomiting, and left lower extremity pain , but the consultant's final assessment focuses on acute exacerbation of chronic peripheral vascular disease with a viable extremity.

Coding Jul 1, 2026

Renal Insufficiency Consultation 2026

Accurate coding for renal insufficiency consultations requires careful analysis of physician documentation, laboratory findings, medical decision-making, and the relationship between acute and chronic conditions.

Coding Jun 3, 2026

Acute on Chronic Kidney Failure: Nephrology Medical Coding Scenario Clarified

Acute kidney failure coding requires careful review of provider documentation, laboratory findings, chronic kidney disease staging, and contributing conditions.

Coding May 23, 2026

Medical Coding for Nicotine and Tobacco Use

Accurate medical coding for nicotine dependence, tobacco use, and tobacco smoke exposure is critical for reimbursement, HCC risk adjustment, preventive counseling services, and overall documentation compliance.

Coding May 22, 2026

Angiography and Cardiac Catheterization Coding

CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Coding With Rationales and CPC Exam Tips

Coding May 22, 2026

AMA Mid-Year CPT Updates for July 2026

The American Medical Association (AMA) periodically releases mid-year CPT code updates effective July 1 , in addition to the major annual updates each January.

Coding Apr 17, 2026

Medical Coding for Robotic-Assisted Procedures

Robotic-assisted surgery continues to expand across multiple specialties, and while many coders are taught “there are no codes for robotics,” that statement is only partially true.

Coding Apr 16, 2026

Medical Coding PICC Line

A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) is a long, flexible catheter inserted through a peripheral vein (typically in the arm) and advanced into a central vein (usually the superior vena cava).

Coding Mar 20, 2026

Medical Coding: Chest Tube Insertion

Chest tube insertion done by two physicians in the ER – spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to barometric trauma.

Coding Feb 16, 2026

Coding for Accidental Celesta Ingestion - ER Visit

Description: Patient is a three years old male who about 45 minutes prior admission to the emergency room ingested about two to three tablets of Celesta 40 mg per tablets.

Coding Jan 23, 2026

Medical Clarified Coding for Bilateral Mammogram

77067 – Screening mammography, bilateral (2-view study of each breast), including CAD

Coding Jan 20, 2026

Combination Codes in ICD-10-CM

Combination codes in ICD-10-CM are single diagnosis codes that classify two or more related conditions, or a condition with an associated manifestation or complication.

Coding Jan 16, 2026

Medical Coding Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes rapid skin cell growth, resulting in thick, scaly, red plaques.

Coding Dec 12, 2025

2026 CPT Updates

The changes reflect evolving care delivery (digital/remote monitoring, AI/augmentative services), new technologies, and restructuring of existing procedure codes to better match modern workflows.

Coding Sep 18, 2025

What Are Clinical Indicators in Medical Coding?

In medical coding, accuracy depends on more than just knowing ICD-10-CM, CPT®, or HCPCS Level II codes. Coders must also evaluate clinical indicators —the documentation in a patient's health record that supports whether a diagnosis or procedure is valid, necessary, and reportable. Without these indicators, a code may be questioned or denied by payers, auditors, or compliance reviewers.

Coding Jul 14, 2025

Medical Coding Lupus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), commonly referred to as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems.

Coding Jun 9, 2025

Medical Coding Haemophilus Influenzae

Here's a clear and thorough guide for medical coding and billing for Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) — not to be confused with the flu (influenza virus).