Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third most common cause of death by disease in the United States and one of the costliest diseases to treat, with no cure at present. More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from COPD. Current and former smokers, especially the older segments of the population, are most likely to suffer from it. In addition, it’s a common source of billing and reimbursement issues, with a high rate of readmission.
Given these grim facts, it is naturally the focus of a great deal of research and, fortunately, recent advancements have been made in understanding this very common disease. Notably, a recent study at Kanazawa Medical University (see Yamamura, Nishiki, et al., 2022) found a genetic component to the disease. Non-genetic conditions, notably tobacco use and to a lesser degree, environmental pollutants, are the primary causes of COPD, however, there may be a genetic aspect to the severity of the illness. A tumor suppressor called p53 normally appears in lung tissue in the presence of oxidative stress, inhibiting the reproduction tumor cells and triggering their destruction. In some COPD cases, a polymorphism occurs in p53 codon 72, and in patients carrying that genotype, a greater percentage of low-attenuation areas was found, along with greater airflow limitation and muscle atrophy. While the exact correlation, if any, between p53 polymorphism and COPD severity remains under investigation, this may be a significant step in understanding the root causes of the most severe cases.
Another advancement in understanding may point toward the eventual development of better medical COPD treatments. Researchers at the University of Technology, Sydney, have pinned down a biological component that may become a drug target. An enzyme secreted by mast cells in the immune system, mast cell chymase-1, was found by researchers to worsen the development of COPD. Levels of chymase-1 in COPD patients were found to be double that of the amount found in people without the disease. After determining an analogous enzyme in the immune system of mice, researchers showed that inhibiting the enzyme offered protection against inflammation, emphysema, and other aspects of the illness.
Other advances in COPD treatment are coming from the tech sector. Remote monitoring, telehealth, and health-related apps all skyrocketed in use during the pandemic, and it’s likely we will see an uptick in software solutions to monitor a wide range of health concerns. A company called Wellinks recently partnered with a clinic group in Connecticut to try to curb COPD readmissions through monitoring devices and an app. According to the company’s press release, they seek to combine “virtual pulmonary rehabilitation, personalized health coaching and monitoring through connected devices and a patient-friendly app to create a truly integrated approach to COPD management.” They hope that with communication and monitoring, readmissions—which are costly to all involved—can be decreased significantly.
While the data needs to be updated about the accuracy of remote CT readings—studies in the last decade showed a pretty hefty margin of error—the technology continues to advance. A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology showed the ability of an artificial intelligence tool to detect an interstitial pulmonary embolus (iPE). The study shows that out of 40 iPEs detected in the team’s study sample, seven of them were detected only by the clinical reports, while AI detected four missed by clinicians. The study doesn’t speak on the idea of AI taking over altogether, and that is likely a long way off if it will ever happen. But it’s not unreasonable to see that AI could successfully serve as a secondary reader.
Let’s admit it: the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) official conventions, guidelines, and advice involving sepsis and its consequences have been
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is continuing its multi-year push toward payment accuracy, documentation integrity, and value-based care. While the most visible
Please log in to your account to comment on this article.
Breast biopsy procedures may be clinically straightforward but accurately translating them into compliant billing can be anything but. In this focused webcast, Shawn Blackburn, CPC, CPMA, CIC, CRC, CCS-P breaks down how imaging guidance, lesion count, laterality, and payer expectations all impact how these procedures should be reported. Through clear explanations and real-world scenarios, you’ll gain practical insight into aligning clinical workflows with billing requirements, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring your documentation supports accurate reimbursement and compliance.
Gain clarity and confidence in OB‑GYN coding with this expert‑led webcast featuring Sherri L. Clayton, RHIT, CSS. You’ll learn how to apply global maternity package rules accurately, select the right CPT codes for procedures and visits, and identify documentation gaps that lead to denials. With practical guidance and real examples, this session helps you strengthen compliance, reduce audit risk, and ensure accurate reimbursement for women’s health services.
Uncover essential coding insights with nationally recognized coding authority Kay Piper, RHIA, CDIP, CCS. Through ICD10monitor’s interactive, on‑demand webcast series, Kay walks you through the AHA’s 2026 ICD‑10‑CM/PCS Quarterly Coding Clinics, translating each update into practical, easy‑to‑apply guidance designed to sharpen precision, ensure compliance, and strengthen day‑to‑day decision‑making. Available shortly after each official release.
Uncover critical guidance on the ICD-10-CM/PCS code updates. Kay Piper reviews and explains ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines in the AHA’s fourth quarter 2026 ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding Clinic in an easy to access on-demand webcast.
Traditional utilization management models can no longer keep pace with regulatory shifts, payer scrutiny, and operational pressures. In this webcast, Tiffany Ferguson, LMSW, CMAC, ACM, ACPA-C, introduces an Adaptive Model strategy that modernizes UM through role specialization, technology-driven workflows, and proactive, team-based processes. Attendees will learn how to restructure programs to improve efficiency, strengthen clinical collaboration, and enhance financial performance in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Federal auditors are intensifying their focus on inpatient psychiatric facilities, using advanced data analytics to spotlight outliers and pursue high‑dollar repayments. In this high‑impact webcast, Michael Calahan, PA, MBA, Compliance Officer and V.P., Hospital & Physician Compliance, breaks down what regulators are really targeting in IPF-PPS admissions, documentation, treatment and discharge planning. Attendees will learn practical steps to tighten processes, avoid common audit triggers and protect reimbursement and reduce the risk of multimillion-dollar repayment demands.
In this timely session, Stacey Shillito, CDIP, CPMA, CCS, CCS-P, CPEDC, COPC, breaks down the complexities of Medical Decision Making (MDM) documentation so providers can confidently capture the true complexity of their care. Attendees will learn practical, efficient strategies to ensure documentation aligns with current E/M guidelines, supports accurate coding, and reduces audit risk, all without adding to charting time.
Join Ronald Hirsch, MD, FACP, CHCQM for The PEPPER Returns – Risk and Opportunity at Your Fingertips, a practical webcast that demystifies the PEPPER and shows you how to turn complex claims data into actionable insights. Dr. Hirsch will explain how to interpret key measures, identify compliance risks, uncover missed revenue opportunities, and understand new updates in the PEPPER, all to help your organization stay ahead of audits and use this powerful data proactively.
Celebrate Lab Week with MedLearn! Sign up to win one year of our Laboratory All Access Pass! Click here to learn more →
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 1 with code CYBER25
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 2 with code CYBER24
