In FY2025, Medicare introduced major revisions to the MS-DRGs for spinal fusion, including the deletion of several DRGs and a new classification for multi-level fusions and cases involving anatomically tailored interbody fusion devices. These changes bring critical impacts, from the approach to DRG assignment to potential effects on the Neurospine Service Line Case Mix Index (CMI). With such shifts, it’s essential for healthcare providers to maintain accuracy and compliance to justify changes in reimbursement. Preparing now is crucial to articulate any revenue shifts tied to these new updates effectively.

During this webcast, expert Beth Wolf, MD, CPC, CCDS, will clarify the FY2025 spinal fusion DRG changes, exploring both the new MS-DRG guidelines and the downstream effects on documentation standards and CMI. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the updates and how to proactively address them, filling knowledge gaps related to the CMS processes and their implications for both case mix and compliance.

Why This is Relevant:

With these new requirements, Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) professionals, coders, and revenue cycle teams must not only grasp the current MS-DRG changes but also prepare for future CMS adjustments. Attendance is essential to develop skills in adapting to MS-DRG shifts and maintaining precise code assignment and documentation standards, which will be increasingly critical as CMS advances episode-based payment models.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the FY2025 spinal fusion DRG updates in depth
• Review the rules governing Triplet, Pair, and Single MS-DRG determinations
• Understand the impact of documentation on DRG assignment

Who Should Attend:

Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (CDISs), Coders, Physician Advisors