Cardiology Coding Alert

Plus, check out V13.65 for corrected congenital heart malformations.Each October you're faced with new ICD-9 codes to add to your diagnosis arsenal. 2011 is no exception, with new ectasia, congenital malformation, and body mass index (BMI) codes you'll need to learn. Take a look at the proposed changes that will affect your cardiology practice, so that you're ready when fall rolls around.End Your Ectasia Hunt at 447.7xThe proposed changes to ICD-9 2011 add four codes specific to aortic ectasia, which could be among the most significant changes for cardiology coders."Ectasia" means dilation or enlargement, and aortic ectasia often refers to an enlargement that is milder than an aneurysm. But ICD-9 2010 does not distinguish ectasia from aneurysm, linking aortic ectasia to 441.9 (Aortic aneurysm of unspecified site without mention of rupture) and 441.5 (Aortic aneurysm of unspecified site, ruptured).The proposed 2011 codes are specific to aortic ectasia and are based [...]