The HCC Buddy Blog
Coding tips, guideline updates, and expert insights for HCC coders.
Complete Guide to HCC V28 Changes for 2026
Everything medical coders need to know about the CMS-HCC V28 model changes for Payment Year 2026 — new categories, deleted HCCs, weight recalibrations, and the V24/V28 blend transition.
Top 10 Most Commonly Miscoded HCCs
Avoid the costliest HCC coding mistakes. Learn the 10 most frequently miscoded HCC categories, why they get wrong, and how to code them correctly every time.
ICD-10 to HCC Mapping Quick Reference
A practical quick reference for ICD-10-CM to HCC code mapping. Learn which diagnosis codes map to which HCC categories, how to look up mappings, and why specificity matters.
Free RAF Score Calculator: How Risk Adjustment Factor Scores Work
Learn how Risk Adjustment Factor (RAF) scores are calculated, what demographic and diagnosis factors contribute, and try a free RAF score calculator for V24 and V28 models.
What Is HCC Coding? A Complete Guide for 2026
Learn what HCC coding is, why it matters for risk adjustment, and how medical coders use ICD-10-CM to HCC mapping in their daily workflow.
ICD-10-CM to HCC Mapping: How It Works
Understand the crosswalk between ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and HCC categories, including how RAF scores are calculated and why accurate mapping matters.
V24 vs V28 HCC Models: Key Differences Explained
Compare the CMS-HCC V24 and V28 risk adjustment models side by side. Learn what changed, what was removed, and how the transition affects coding in 2026.
Understanding HCC Coding for Diabetes: A Complete Guide
Master diabetes HCC coding — from Type 1 vs Type 2 distinctions to complication hierarchies, V28 changes, and documentation requirements. The most complete diabetes coding reference for HCC coders.
MEAT Criteria for HCC Coding: Documentation Requirements
Learn the MEAT documentation criteria — Monitoring, Evaluating, Assessing, and Treating — and why they are essential for capturing HCC codes in risk adjustment.
RAF Score Calculation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understand how Risk Adjustment Factor scores are calculated, what components make up a RAF score, and why accurate RAF scoring matters for Medicare Advantage plans.
Excludes 1 vs Excludes 2 in ICD-10: What Every Coder Needs to Know
Understand the critical difference between Excludes 1 and Excludes 2 notes in ICD-10-CM coding, with real-world examples and common mistakes to avoid.
HCC Buddy vs Traditional Encoders: Why AI Makes a Difference
See how HCC Buddy compares to legacy ICD-10 encoders. Built-in HCC mapping, AI coding assistant, NPI lookup, and drug reference — all in one modern tool.
Top 10 Most Common HCC Codes Every Coder Should Know
Master the most frequently encountered HCC codes in risk adjustment coding, from diabetes to heart failure, with mapping details and documentation tips.
How to Use an ICD-10 Encoder for Risk Adjustment
Step-by-step guide to using an ICD-10-CM encoder for HCC risk adjustment coding, including search tips, reading code details, and verifying HCC mappings.
NPI Lookup Guide: Finding Provider Information Fast
Learn how to look up National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers, what information is available, and how NPI data supports HCC coding workflows.