The DRG Expert has been a trusted and comprehensive reference to the DRG classification system for 22 years. The nation’s DRG information experts bring you this annual book organized by Major Diagnostic Category (MDC) for accurate assignment of DRGs and maintenance of the highest level of data quality. The convenient and innovative book layout follows the logical DRG decision process. This book is designed specifically for those who need a comprehensive resource to either accurately assign DRGs concurrently and retrospectively or verify DRG information.

• EXCLUSIVE — Email alerts for special reports. Alerts sent by email inform you of special reports posted on our website concerning important developments, allowing immediate access to valuable information.
• EXCLUSIVE — Color coding. Visual indicators for surgical/medical partitioning, CCs and age restrictions, necessary principal or secondary diagnosis qualifications, and OIG targeting of specific DRGs.
• EXCLUSIVE — Transfer DRG symbol. Indicates a DRG selected as a qualified discharge that may be paid at the per diem rate.
• EXCLUSIVE — Main term code search. Find codes quickly with our customized code descriptions that list main conditions or operative terms first.
• EXCLUSIVE — Average national payment. Listed for every DRG as a quick benchmark comparison.
• EXCLUSIVE — Optimizing potential indicator. Avoid “downcoding” — recognize when key indicators missed in the medical record may result in assignment of a higher-paying DRG.
• EXCLUSIVE — Target DRG symbol. Know when specific documentation and coding guidelines must be followed when assigning these DRGs targeted by OIG for audit.
• Medicare CMS rate structure. Updated to provide current relative weight, geometric mean length of stay, and average length of stay for each DRG under the IPPS.
• LTC-DRG current rate structure. Know what the RW and length-of-stay data are for each DRG under the LTCH prospective payment system.
• Surgical hierarchy table. Quickly find the DRG hierarchy for multiple procedure cases to help you assign the code that reflects the greatest resource utilization.
• Invalid DRG conversion table. Easily track the reassignment of codes to the new DRG.
• Indexes of ICD-9-CM. Access numerically and alphabetically indexed diagnoses and procedures for fast lookup.
• Organized by MDC. DRGs are organized to reflect the logical DRG decision-making process for performing concurrent case analysis.
• Convenient 6” x 9” size. Spiral binding, lightweight and portable.
• Earn CEUs from AAPC. Earn up to 3 CEUs awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).