What is the term for the DRG assigned during concurrent CDI record review?

• A. The MS-DRG assigned during concurrent CDI record review
• B. The MS-DRG assigned at discharge after final coding
• C. The MS-DRG used only for outpatient cases
• D. The MS-DRG is unrelated to CDI

Answer: (A)

This question tests understanding of what DRG is used during the CDI process before the patient is discharged. The DRG assigned during concurrent CDI record review is the MS-DRG determined at that time, a provisional classification based on the diagnoses and procedures documented up to that point. It serves to guide documentation improvement efforts and provides an early estimate of payment impact. Because coding isn’t final until discharge, the DRG can change when final codes are assigned at discharge. The other ideas don’t fit because they refer to the final discharge DRG, DRGs used only for outpatient cases, or a DRG unrelated to CDI—none of which describe the DRG assigned during concurrent review.