Are you aiming to become a certified Home Care Coding Specialist-Diagnosis (HCS-D)? Earning your HCS-D certification can significantly boost your career in home health coding, demonstrating specialized expertise in diagnosis coding critical for home care agencies. This guide is designed to navigate you through your 2019 HCS-D certification study journey, offering insights into the exam and the expert committee that shapes its standards.
Understanding the HCS-D Certification and its Significance
The Home Care Coding Specialist-Diagnosis (HCS-D) certification is a nationally recognized credential for professionals specializing in home health diagnosis coding. This certification, offered by the American Healthcare Coding Association (AHCC), validates an individual’s proficiency in accurately assigning ICD-10-CM codes for diagnoses in the home care setting. Accurate diagnosis coding is paramount for compliant billing, appropriate reimbursement, and quality reporting in home health. For agencies and professionals alike, HCS-D certification signifies a commitment to excellence and expertise in this complex field.
The AHCC’s Board of Medical Specialty Coding & Compliance (BMSC) plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and relevance of the HCS-D certification. The BMSC Certification Committees are composed of industry-leading experts who volunteer their time and knowledge to develop and update the AHCC certification programs. These committees are responsible for ensuring the exams and recertification self-assessments reflect the current best practices and regulatory standards in home care coding and compliance.
Meet the Minds Behind the HCS-D Exam: The HCS-D Committee
The HCS-D Exam Committee, a subcommittee of the BMSC, is specifically dedicated to the Home Care Coding Specialist-Diagnosis certification. This committee is comprised of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in home health coding, clinical practice, regulatory compliance, and education. These individuals are not only certified HCS-Ds themselves but also hold various other credentials, highlighting their deep expertise in the home care landscape.
Let’s introduce you to some of the dedicated members of the HCS-D Committee, the experts who contribute to the high standards of the HCS-D certification:
Ashley Benson, RN, COQS, CHHCM, HCS-D, LSSGB, Home Health and Hospice Consultant, brings a wealth of practical experience from her journey in home health. Starting as a field nurse and progressing through supervisory and director roles, Ashley has firsthand understanding of the daily operational and clinical challenges faced by home health agencies. Her expertise spans OASIS, coding, regulatory compliance, and QAPI, making her a valuable asset to the committee. Ashley’s commitment to continuous learning and empowering others with knowledge underscores the committee’s dedication to providing relevant and up-to-date certification standards.
Elise Christensen, HCS-D, HCS-H, HCS-O, COS-C, Coding Manager, Hartford Healthcare, is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years in nursing and 25 years specifically in home health. Her diverse experience includes roles as a field nurse, in marketing, coding, and senior leadership. For over a decade, Elise has focused on coding and OASIS review, serving as a reviewer, educator, and director. Currently leading a coding and OASIS review team for a large hospital-based agency, Elise’s hands-on experience and long-standing HCS-D and COS-C certifications demonstrate her deep commitment to coding excellence.
Christina Crumbley, RN, MSN, HCS-D, CEO/Owner, Tidal Healthcare Consulting, offers a broad perspective with 29 years of experience in home health operations, quality assurance, clinical management, and business development. As CEO of Tidal Healthcare Consulting, Christina focuses on home health operational and clinical management, ICD-10 coding, OASIS review, and education. Her leadership and consulting experience provides valuable insights into the practical application of coding and compliance in various home health settings.
J’non Griffin, RN, MHA, HCS-D, HCS-H, HCS-C, COS-C, Director, SimiTree Healthcare Consulting, is a 32-year veteran of home care. Her extensive career includes roles as a field nurse, director, and executive in both large and small agencies. J’non’s expertise encompasses operations, compliance, risk management, regulatory crises, and education. Her multiple certifications, including HCS-D, COS-C, HCS-H, and HCS-C, combined with her consulting experience and contributions to industry publications, make her a highly respected voice in home care coding and compliance.
Michelle Horner, BSN, RN, HCS-O, HCS-D, HCS-H, COS-C, Manager of Clinical Consulting & Education, McBee, brings over 30 years of diverse healthcare experience to the committee. As Manager of Clinical Consulting & Education at McBee, Michelle specializes in quality, clinical, and regulatory consulting and education. Her role involves creating and delivering customized training programs and sharing her expertise at home care associations. Michelle’s active involvement in both the HCS-D and HCS-O Committees demonstrates her commitment to shaping industry standards and improving patient care.
Julie Howard, HCS-D, HCS-O, Team Lead, McBee, has nearly 15 years of experience in home health care, starting in administrative roles and progressing to coding and OASIS review. Her experience with both local agencies and outsource providers gives her a broad understanding of different operational perspectives. Julie’s long-term AHCC membership and credential holding demonstrate her dedication to the association and the coding profession.
Susan Jirsa, BSN, RN, COS-C, HCS-D, Divisional Director Quality Assurance, Aveanna, is a Registered Nurse with a passion for quality and education in home health. With a background starting in 2009, Susan has held clinical and operational leadership positions since 2010. Her experience includes leading webinars, creating educational materials, and presenting on regulatory changes. Susan’s expertise in PDGM and her focus on quality assurance are invaluable to the HCS-D committee.
Shanna Carter Kennon, RN, BSN, HSD-O, HCS-D, Coding and OASIS Reviewer, SMART Healthcare Compliance Resources, is a Bachelor’s prepared Registered Nurse with over 15 years of experience, 13 of which are in home health. Currently working as a remote Coding and OASIS Reviewer, Shanna’s focus on accurate coding and OASIS assessment reflects the critical skills validated by the HCS-D certification.
Jennifer Osburn, RN, HCS-D, COS-C, Clinical Consultant, Healthcare Provider Solutions, brings over 30 years of home health experience encompassing education, agency management, quality, and software technology. Her expertise as a credentialed OASIS and ICD-10 Coding expert, combined with her experience leading educational seminars and consulting for agencies nationwide, makes her a key contributor to the committee.
Celeste Miller, RN, BS, HCS-D, COS-C, Director of Operations, Oracle, is passionate about learning and education, particularly in coding and OASIS. Overseeing and training coders within her agency, Celeste is an innovative leader focused on improving the home health and hospice industry through education and involvement. Her achievements in QAPI program implementation and survey preparedness highlight her commitment to operational excellence and accurate coding practices.
Sherry Jean Samia, BSN, RN, HCS-D, HCS-O, Regional Director of Clinical Services for Home Health, Brookdale Senior Living (Home Health), is a nurse with extensive experience in leading home health quality improvement programs. Her medical background as a physician in Pediatrics in the Philippines provides a unique depth of knowledge of disease processes, which she leverages in her quality improvement initiatives and contributions to the committee.
Pamela Wandrie, M.A.CCC-SLP, HCS-D, HCS-O, Coding and OASIS QA Specialist, SimiTree, brings over 29 years of home health experience, including 23 years as a skilled therapy provider. Transitioning to coding and OASIS quality assurance in 2016, Pamela’s expertise includes reviewer mentorship, education development, and real-time and post-audit QA. Her therapy background adds a valuable clinical perspective to the coding committee.
Preparing with a Study Guide: Your Path to HCS-D Success in 2019
While the AHCC does not officially endorse or publish a specific “HCS-D Certification Study Guide 2019,” preparing for the exam effectively is crucial. Focus your study efforts on the core competencies assessed by the HCS-D exam. These typically include:
- ICD-10-CM Coding Guidelines: Master the official coding guidelines, conventions, and principles for accurate diagnosis coding.
- Home Health Coding Scenarios: Practice applying coding guidelines to real-world home health scenarios, understanding the nuances of coding in this setting.
- OASIS and its Impact on Coding: Understand how OASIS data influences diagnosis coding and reimbursement in home health.
- Regulatory Compliance: Stay updated on the latest Medicare and Medicaid regulations related to home health coding and billing.
- Anatomy and Physiology & Medical Terminology: A strong foundation in medical terminology and anatomy and physiology is essential for accurate diagnosis coding.
Resources to Aid Your Study:
- AHCC Website: Explore the AHCC website for information on the HCS-D certification, exam content outline, and any recommended resources.
- Official ICD-10-CM Coding Manual: This is your primary resource for coding guidelines and code look-up.
- Home Health Regulations and Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with CMS guidelines and resources related to home health.
- Practice Exams and Questions: Utilize practice exams and coding scenarios to test your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
- Industry Publications and Webinars: Stay informed about industry trends and coding updates through reputable home health publications and educational webinars.
Conclusion: Invest in Your Future with HCS-D Certification
The Home Care Coding Specialist-Diagnosis certification is a valuable investment in your professional development. By demonstrating specialized knowledge in home health diagnosis coding, you enhance your credibility, improve your career prospects, and contribute to the accuracy and compliance of home health agencies. While a specific “HCS-D Certification Study Guide 2019” might not be available, the expertise and dedication of the AHCC’s HCS-D Committee, as highlighted by their impressive backgrounds, ensures the certification remains a gold standard in the industry. Dedicate yourself to thorough preparation using the recommended resources, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving HCS-D certification success.
