Which of the following demonstrates the relative severity and complexity of patient treated in the hospital, and is used to evaluate the financial impact of a hospital’s clinical documentation integrity (CDI) program?

Which of the following demonstrates the relative severity and complexity of patient treated in the hospital, and is used to evaluate the financial impact of a hospital’s clinical documentation integrity (CDI) program?
A . Hospital acquired conditions
B . Program for evaluating payment patterns electronic report
C . Present on admission indicators
D . Adjusted case mix index

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

According to the AHIMA CDIP Exam Preparation Guide, the adjusted case mix index (CMI) is a measure that demonstrates the relative severity and complexity of patients treated in a hospital, and is used to evaluate the financial impact of a hospital’s clinical documentation integrity (CDI) program1. The adjusted CMI is calculated by multiplying the unadjusted CMI by a factor that accounts for the percentage of Medicare patients in the hospital2. The higher the adjusted CMI, the higher the expected reimbursement per patient, and the more effective the CDI program is assumed to be3. The other options are not correct because they do not measure the severity and complexity of patients or the financial impact of CDI. Hospital acquired conditions (HACs) are conditions that are not present on admission and are considered preventable by CMS, and may result in reduced reimbursement or penalties4. The program for evaluating payment patterns electronic report (PEPPER) is a report that provides hospital-specific data on potential overpayments or underpayments for certain services or diagnoses, and helps identify areas of risk or opportunity for improvement. Present on admission (POA) indicators are codes that indicate whether a condition was present at the time of admission or acquired during the hospital stay, and affect the assignment of DRGs and HACs.

References:

CDIP Exam Preparation Guide – AHIMA

Demystifying and communicating case-mix index – ACDIS

What is Case Mix Index? | The Importance of CMI

Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HACs) | CMS

[PEPPER Resources]

[Present on Admission Reporting Guidelines – CMS]