High Needs ACO REACH

Coding and Documentation Training

CareConnectMD offers coding and training session upon request. These sessions are designed to guide providers through the process of assessing and accurately documenting diagnoses, offering valuable support to our partners.

The training agenda includes key topics such as:

• Understanding Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) and their purpose

• Practical tips for assessing HCC codes

• Proper documentation techniques

• Coding for diabetic complications

• Addressing common misconceptions in diagnosis

• Navigating combinations of diagnosis codes

These sessions aim to enhance providers’ documentation skills and contribute to overall excellence in clinical coding.

Coding Tips Newsletter

The CareConnectMD Coding Tips Newsletter provides concise, practical guidance to help improve diagnosis accuracy and documentation quality. Each edition highlights key areas of focus such as condition-specific coding, documentation best practices, and updates aligned with current CMS and HCC standards. Designed as a quick resource for providers and care teams, the newsletter supports our commitment to clinical excellence and compliance.

April 2025 Edition: Does My Patient Have This Diagnosis?
This edition of the newsletter highlights dementia, BMI, and major depressive disorder (MDD). Providers should specify if dementia involves behavioral disturbances (e.g., agitation) and use corresponding ICD-10 codes. BMI should only be coded when clinically relevant and paired with a related diagnosis like obesity or diabetes. For MDD, documentation must include episode type (single or recurrent), severity (mild, moderate, severe), and remission status if applicable. Common pitfalls include vague terms and incomplete descriptions. Accurate, specific documentation ensures proper coding and supports patient care.

CCMD Coding Tool

The CCMD diagnosis coding reference tool provides a quick lookup of the most commonly reported medical diagnoses, conditions, signs, and symptoms. The code set is updated to reflect the most current ICD-10-CM standards and incorporates both CMS HCC v24 and v28 risk adjustment models.

Coding Tool Page 1
Coding Tool Page 2

Spotlight Report

A curated update designed to keep you informed on key developments within our programs and the broader healthcare landscape. Each edition will feature essential news items, policy changes, and industry trends that may impact our work, along with highlights of organizational initiatives and strategic priorities. This report serves as a valuable resource to stay connected, aligned, and informed as we continue to advance our mission.

July 2026 Spotlight Report:
Skin Substitutes – How Much Do These Products Really Cost?
Skin substitutes have become one of the fastest-growing cost drivers in wound care. Medicare ACOs are seeing significant increases in both utilization and spend. While these products may benefit select chronic wounds, the clinical value of many newer skin substitutes remains unproven.

Dementia in Nursing Facilities

Dr. Christine Mlot shares best practices for dementia care in nursing facilities. This resource highlights patient-centered approaches, effective communication, behavioral management, and interdisciplinary teamwork to enhance quality of life and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.