Reader’s Choice Issue

  When our editorial staff discussed the idea of a Reader’s Choice issue for Today’s Wound Clinic (TWC), we knew it would be possible only if we had input from you, our readers. Obviously, right? Yeah, in a way. What wasn’t certain was how to best go about obtaining opinions we were seeking in order to validate the true concept of “reader’s choice.” So, we took a calculated risk — we asked you to complete an online survey in the form of a blank canvas that asked you to tell us what you wanted to see more coverage of. The results were valid, thought-provoking, in many cases detail specific, and so numerous that we could not fit all suggestions into this issue. Which means you’ve given us an early start on confirming our 2015 plans!

Choices of Readers

  In the pages that follow, you’ll find feature articles and columns that the TWC editorial team believes most encapsulates the desired content (in addition to regularly scheduled content). In “Providing Appropriate Care to Patients Living With Malignant Wounds,” beginning on page 6, TWC editorial board member Susie Seaman, NP, MSN, CWOCN, discusses one of the most popular topics — caring for patients who are living with comorbid cancer. From physical pain to emotional stressors, providers must consider many factors when care planning and monitoring treatment for this population. As an overall theme, the request for articles related to the care of particularly challenging cohorts was also prominent, both from clinical and emotional standpoints. Other topics such as sickle cell anemia and patient groups including pediatrics, geriatrics, burn victims, and those who tend to be nonadherent/noncompliant have since been added to the coming year’s slate.

  Just as equally sought after were articles detailing specific roles wound providers hold within outpatient clinics and the regulatory/reimbursement particulars related to care rendered within particular sites of services (most notably for physical therapists). To that end, Heather Hettrick, PT, PhD, CWS, CLT, CLWT; Stephanie Woelfel-Dyess, PT, MPT, CWS, FACCWS; and Rose Hamm, PT, DPT, CWS, FACCWS cover the “Appropriate Reporting of G-Codes & C-Modifiers by Therapists Who Treat Chronic Wounds” in their article beginning on page 14.

Reimbursement Reigns

  As is always the case with TWCmore material on this, as many of you have requested. But you’ve asked and we’re delivering: In March, expect a full issue devoted to reimbursement trends. In this current issue, Schaum helps you all ensure your New Year is as financially healthy as it should be by offering “10 Preparation Steps for Charge Description Masters in 2015” beginning on page 23. The emphasis on documentation-type concerns within the clinic was also evident in requests for articles promoting effective communication along the care spectrum. In this vein, Elizabeth A. Ayello, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CWON, ETN, MAPWCA, FAAN, et al, review how to ensure proper pressure ulcer staging among long-term care referrals in “Staging & Documenting Pressure Ulcers in the Wound Care Clinic” beginning on page 11.

  Of course, the lineup wouldn’t be complete without something on ICD-10-CM conversion. TWC board member Donna J. Cartwright, MPA, RHIA, CCS, RAC, FAHIMA, delivers another ICD-10 Diagnosis Coding Documentation chart on “External Causes of Morbidity” on page 28.

  Thanks for all of your input that led to this issue of TWC. Cheers!