That is a DRG grouper. You simply put in the DX and PX's and then hit calculate, and it will give you the estimated DRG reimbursement. It is probably based on the national hospital base rate since its not specific for a facility.

IRP is a great website for information, but their coding software is one of the most horrible pieces of junk I've ever tried to use. It was given to me to try out and I threw it away and used my books, if that tells you anything!

www.ingenixonline.com/mod...egoryID=50

There is a link to Ingenix for DRG products. I have both the DRG Expert and the DRG Desk Reference as they are used for different purposes. The desk reference is $200, so check out Ebay or contact a local hospital to see if they will sell you an older copy. I know we used to purchase 4-5 copies for the concurrent reviewers...and each facility should really only need to retain 1-2 copies (TRUST ME, always keep at least one copy of an old book...you never know when you are going to be audited on an 3-4 year old account!). The desk reference has more background info, as well as the dreaded "trees" to flow out the assigment of a DRG. I think I would even use that IRP website before I did that manually. :D

I promise, i will get to the APC info soon...



Leslie....send me your email address if you can.... SMBCoding@cfl.rr.com
Shannon