New Care Coordination Codes Huge Win for Nurses

Carlson believes that once people see how much effective care coordination reduces readmissions, Medicare and private payers will start reimbursing even more for it.

Of course, patients and hospitals aren't the only ones who'll benefit from the new codes. Nurses themselves, who play a huge role in care coordination, are also big winners here.

"That shows that there's an understanding of the importance of nurses," Carlson says. "It's nurses who are doing this work."

Moreover, she and the ANA believe that the new codes could also help create jobs. "I see there's a bright future ahead for nurses and care coordinators," she says.

The new care coordination codes definitely should give nurses an extra reason to be thankful this year, maybe even to have a little party.

"We celebrated a little bit," Carlson said with a laugh. "It is a victory."

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