2026 ICD-10 Expert for SNF and IRF: Simplifying Diagnosis Coding, PDPM Compliance, and Documentation Requirements for Post-Acute Care Professionals

The Complete Guide to SNF and IRF Coding Under PDPMMaster post-acute care coding with the only comprehensive resource designed specifically for skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation facilities in the PDPM era.Why You Need This BookSince PDPM's 2019 implementation, diagnosis coding has become the primary driver of SNF reimbursement—yet most coding books focus on acute care. This guide fills that critical gap with practical, specific guidance for the coding challenges you face daily.Written by expert Stefanie D. Brown (CCS, CRC, 20+ years SNF/IRF experience), this book combines technical precision with real-world practicality.What You'll Master2026 ICD-10-CM FundamentalsCurrent code updates and their SNF/IRF impactCode structure, conventions, and guidelinesSeventh characters, laterality, and specificity requirementsCommon mistakes and how to avoid themPDPM & IRF-PPS Payment ModelsHow coding drives all five PDPM payment componentsClinical category mapping and comorbidity calculationsIRF RIC classification and tier assignmentReal examples showing payment impactCondition-Specific Coding Detailed guidance for your most common diagnoses:Neurological: Stroke sequelae, hemiplegia, aphasia, dysphagiaOrthopedic: Joint replacements, fractures, arthritisCardiac/Pulmonary: Heart failure, COPD, respiratory failureWounds: Pressure ulcers with staging requirementsDiabetes: Complications and specificityMental Health: Depression, dementia, deliriumEach includes: coding guidelines, documentation requirements, PDPM implications, and query strategies.Clinical Documentation ImprovementBuilding effective CDI programsQuery best practices for compliancePhysician education strategiesReady-to-use templates and toolsTechnology & ToolsEHR integration and workflowsComputer-assisted coding (CAC) evaluationEncoder selection and optimizationAI in coding: opportunities and limitationsCompliance & QualityAudit tools and techniquesAccuracy measurementStaying current with updatesProfessional development resourcesWho This Book Is For✓ Medical coders in SNFs/IRFs✓ CDI specialists✓ Health information managers✓ MDS coordinators✓ Coding educators✓ Compliance officers✓ Students entering post-acute carePerfect for both newcomers and experienced coders.Post-Acute Care Focused: Every example specific to SNF/IRF settingsPractical: Real cases, templates, and workflows you can implement immediatelyCurrent: 2026 codes, latest PDPM/IRF-PPS methodologiesEthical: Emphasizes accuracy and compliance, never manipulationComplete: 17 chapters from fundamentals to advanced topicsKey Features✓ Real SNF/IRF case examples✓ PDPM payment impact for every major condition✓ Query templates for documentation gaps✓ Audit checklists and tools✓ Quick reference tables✓ Step-by-step workflows✓ "Common mistakes" sections✓ Comprehensive appendicesWhat You'll AchieveConfidence coding complex cases accuratelyEfficiency through proven workflowsCompliance with regulationsSkills to improve documentationCareer advancement through expertiseFacility impact on revenue and quality Read more