CIHI’s new learning bundle, 5003E – Different Strokes Need Different Codes, builds on their previous course on coding strokes (309 – Different Codes for Different Strokes). It focuses on limiting the use of the code I64 Stroke, not specified as haemorrhage or infarction, and instead encourages coders to choose the most accurate and specific code whenever possible.

The course includes three levels—basic, intermediate, and complex—and walks users through case studies to build skills and confidence while assigning stroke codes. Three CHIMA members took the course and were happy to share their feedback with us.

Corneliek Demeter, CHIM, CCCS does IP and NACRS coding at a smaller, rural facility in Alberta, as well as online in-patient coding for two urban facilities in Ontario. She also supervises data collection staff in two urban hospitals, where she does regular audits on all records.

Corneliek completed the beginner and intermediate courses. “I found the work itself quite easy,” she said. “I found it hard to manipulate to pick out the key words as the course wanted. There were no clear instructions on how to highlight the sentences, but I did eventually figure it out. I was disappointed that the video was the same for both the courses I did. I did like the clear handouts, which I printed to be able to use for my daily work.”

She shared a few key takeaways from her experience:

1. Make notes or highlight information, and read all the information.
2. Actually walk the path in the stroke algorithm.
3. Look for specificity using DI reports and consults.

Overall, Corneliek found that the courses met her expectations and feels that they will be useful in her work, as she does a fair number of stroke charts. With that said, she believes the bundle will be useful for any coder, since it teaches you to look for key words and how to sort out the important information. She also feels that other CHIMA members will find this learning bundle beneficial: “It does teach you basics of how to tackle a chart for information, and shows you specifics of stroke coding.”

As for what else she would like to see? Corneliek shares, “I would like to see a course specifically on palliative care, as I still have coders struggling with this. I also think a course that would transition a NACRS coder to inpatient coding would be good, as some coders that have to transition have no idea anymore how to type as they only learned this in school.”

Additional course reviews were conducted by Joanne Ballantyne and Claire Jamieson.

The new 5003E-Different Strokes Need Different Codes bundled course is offered at no charge to all CIHI Core Plan subscribers. You can register today by logging in to CIHI’s Client Services and selecting the Learning Centre. If you don’t have an account, you can create one here.  

Completion of this course will earn CHIMA’s professional members 3 continuing professional education (CPE) credits with the Canadian College of Health Information Management.