Updated Changes to AHIMA’s 2026 Query Guidelines

 "AHIMA, in collaboration with ACDIS, has released the 2026 update to the Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice, which supersedes the 2022 version ACDIS. The update introduces several substantive changes aimed at improving compliance, clarifying intent, and addressing emerging challenges like AI-generated queries.

Major changes include:

• Definition of noncompliant multiple queries – The brief now explicitly defines when multiple queries are considered noncompliant, helping organizations avoid unnecessary or redundant queries ACDIS.

• Role of prior encounters – Prior encounter documentation can support a query if clinically relevant to the current encounter, but it cannot be the sole basis for a query. Sufficient supporting information must be present in the current encounter Norwood Staffing.

• Technology-generated queries – Compliance frameworks now address technology-generated queries (e.g., AI, CAC tools). These are now considered a compliance risk, and organizations must ensure they meet the same standards as manually created queries YouTube.

• Clinical indicators – Clinical indicators (e.g., MEAT) are not used as a basis for code support. They are implicit in the requirement that queries be clinically relevant, but they cannot be the sole justification Norwood Staffing.

• Query templates and policies – The update expands guidance on query templates, policies, and procedures, emphasizing that organizations should document review and any resulting policy updates as part of their compliance program ACDIS.

• Yes/no and “unable to determine” responses – The option of “unable to determine” is now required in POA and all yes/no queries, ensuring transparency when documentation is insufficient Norwood Staffing.

• Coding from query responses – Coding can be done from a query response alone, provided the query form is retained in the permanent medical record. If not, the provider must document the response in the medical record. A single response is sufficient, and it does not need to be repeated elsewhere Norwood Staffing.

• Scope and enforcement – The brief applies to all settings (inpatient, outpatient) and stresses that everyone engaged in the query process must follow the guidelines, including outsourced or overseas CDI contractors Norwood Staffing.

Why it matters:
These changes shift the focus from simply following a checklist to ensuring queries are clinically precise, compliant, and supported by current encounter documentation. They also address modern CDI challenges like AI and automation, which can blur compliance lines if not properly managed.

If you are in CDI, coding, compliance, or revenue cycle, reviewing and updating your query policies to align with the 2026 guidelines is essential to avoid audit findings and ensure accurate, compliant documentation."

Source: https://acdis.org/system/files/resources/Guidelines%20for%20Achieving%20a%20Compliant%20Query%20Practice_2026Draft%201.pdf

Stay Active & Prayed Up: Chronic Kidney Disease

 Health information inquiry on chronic kidney disease and those having survived, all ages, that oppressive time of the pandemic. Stay blessed, active and healthy!

 

"Yes, but the answer is a little more complicated than it first appears.

The COVID-19 pandemic did increase the number of people who needed dialysis because COVID can cause severe kidney damage, including acute kidney injury (AKI). Some hospitalized patients required temporary dialysis, and some went on to develop permanent kidney failure requiring long-term dialysis.

However, in the United States, the total number of people on chronic dialysis actually declined during the first year of the pandemic. That happened because:

• Many dialysis patients were especially vulnerable to severe COVID-19 and died.
• Fewer people began treatment for end-stage kidney disease during the early months of the pandemic, partly because healthcare was disrupted.
• The dialysis population experienced an unprecedented decrease of about 2% in 2020.

Researchers found that:

• Dialysis patients had COVID-19 infection rates substantially higher than the general Medicare population.
• Deaths among dialysis patients increased by nearly 20% in 2020 compared with 2019.
• COVID-related kidney injury created additional demand for dialysis services in hospitals.

So if you're asking, "Did more people need dialysis because of the pandemic?" the answer is yes. If you're asking, "Did the total number of people receiving long-term dialysis increase during the early pandemic?" the answer is not immediately—it actually decreased at first because of increased mortality and disruptions in care.

If you're interested, I can also explain whether nephrologists are now seeing an increase in chronic kidney disease and dialysis needs several years after COVID infections."

Taking from ChatGPT 

 

Coding Check: Albinism E70.3

 "Albinism can be considered a disability because it may lead to visual impairments and increased vulnerability to skin issues, which can limit certain activities. However, not all individuals with albinism experience significant limitations, and the degree of disability can vary widely among individuals."

 

 

2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E70.3

Albinism

20162017201820192020202120222023202420252026Non-Billable/Non-Specific Code

• E70.3 should not be used for reimbursement purposes as there are multiple codes below it that contain a greater level of detail.
• The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM E70.3 became effective on October 1, 2025.
• This is the American ICD-10-CM version of E70.3 - other international versions of ICD-10 E70.3 may differ.

The following code(s) above E70.3 contain annotation back-references

that may be applicable to E70.3:

• E00-E89
  Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
• E70-E88
  Metabolic disorders

Clinical Information

• A congenital disorder characterized by partial or complete absence of melanin pigment in the eyes, hair and skin.
• A group of genetic conditions marked by little or none of the pigment melanin in the skin, hair, and/or eyes. People with albinism may have vision problems and white or yellow hair; reddish, violet, blue or brown eyes; and pale skin.
• General term for a number of inherited defects of amino acid metabolism in which there is a deficiency or absence of pigment in the eyes, skin, or hair.
• Inherited disease where in which there is a deficiency or absence of pigment in the eyes, skin, or hair.

Code History

• 2016 (effective 10/1/2015): New code (first year of non-draft ICD-10-CM)
• 2017 (effective 10/1/2016): No change
• 2018 (effective 10/1/2017): No change
• 2019 (effective 10/1/2018): No change
• 2020 (effective 10/1/2019): No change
• 2021 (effective 10/1/2020): No change
• 2022 (effective 10/1/2021): No change
• 2023 (effective 10/1/2022): No change
• 2024 (effective 10/1/2023): No change
• 2025 (effective 10/1/2024): No change
• 2026 (effective 10/1/2025): No change

Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

Source: https://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes/E00-E89/E70-E88/E70-/E70.3

Source: kjan.org Cleveland Clinic 

Quiz: Health Information and Coding?

 How does the FOIA correlate with health information privacy policies? Tip the knowledge bass is beyon HIPAA.
Anser provided after January 2026! 

Image Citation: https://www.healthcare-management-degree.net/faq/what-are-the-differences-between-health-information-management-and-health-informatics/