ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Jaw pain, drug OD codes highlight new ED-relevant Dxs.On Oct. 1, ED coders will have several more arrows in their coding quivers to prove high-level ED E/Ms.Reason: That's the date you'll start using ICD-9 2011. "Many of these new codes will provide a coder with the tools required to demonstrate medical necessity for some of our higherlevel ED encounters," explains Michael Granovsky, MD, CPC, FACEP, president of MRSI, an ED coding and billing company in Woburn, Mass.The following new codes are most relevant to the ED, according to Granovsky:276.69 (Other fluid overload)724.03 (Spinal stenosis, lumbar region, with neurogenicclaudication)780.33 (Post traumatic seizures)784.92 (Jaw pain)786.30 (Hemoptysis, unspecified)799.50 (Unspecified signs and symptoms involving cognition)970.81 (Poisoning by cocaine)970.89 (Poisoning by other central nervous system; stimulants).(Note: Look for more information on using these new ICD-9 codes in future issues of ED Coding Alert.) Check Out This Drug Poisoning Dx Example The new ICD-9 codes most [...]