Cardiology Coding Alert

NSTEMI evolves to STEMI? Here's what to do. If you haven't checked the ICD-9 guidelines regarding acute myocardial infarction (AMI), you're risking using the wrong code to support your claim. Here's a roundup of what the official guidelines have to say. Smart move: Always make sure you're using the most current rules, says Kathleen Arnold, CCS, CCS-P, CCC, cardiology coder for the Regional Heart Center at the University of Washington Medical Center. You'll find the coding guidelines updated annually, she adds in her Coding Institute "2010 Cardiology Coding Update" audioconference (www.audioeducator.com). You can access the current ICD-9 official guidelines online at www.cdc.gov/nchs/icd/icd9cm_addenda_guidelines.htm. To read about AMI coding, head to section I.7.e, "Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI)." 1. Which Codes Report STEMI Vs. NSTEMI? Question: Which ICD-9 codes describe STEMI and which describe NSTEMI? Answer: You'll notice that it's the fourth digit of 410.xx (Acute myocardial infarction) that makes the difference [...]