Anesthesia Coding Alert
Pain Management Coders, Prepare for More Acquired Spondylolysis Options
Catch-all code 738.4 to split into multiple diagnoses.
ICD-10 Codes implementation in 2013 is coming fast, so take steps now to prepare. Each month, Anesthesia Coding Alert will highlight a common diagnosis code for anesthesia or pain management and how it might change with ICD-10.
Acquired spondylolysis is one condition you'll have many more options for with ICD-10, according to Marvel Hammer, RN, CPC, CCS-P, PCS, ACS-PM, CHCO, owner of MJH Consulting in Denver, Co.
The current "catch-all" code 738.4 includes both degenerative spondylolisthesis and acquired spondylolysis. ICD-9 doesn't list separate codes for various spinal regions, which can keep your diagnosis selection from being as accurate as you might like.
ICD-10 will help you choose more specific diagnoses. The fourth digit "0" or "1" differentiates between the two conditions (spondylosis and spondylolisthesis), and the fifth digit differentiates the anatomic spinal region or location:
Editor's note: If you'd like to learn more about a specific diagnosis, email editor Leigh DeLozier (leighd@codinginstitute.com).
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