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ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

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This Fall, Swine Flu Dx Is for the Birds

Published on Sun Aug 02, 2009

Use generic flu code until Oct. 1, when H1N1 gets 488.1. The AMA is scrambling to address diagnosis coding issues surrounding the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus. There will be a definitive code for the so-called swine flu -- beginning with ICD-9 2010. Get the scoop on the ICD-9 insights you'll need to know now, and how to adjust coding once your swine flu diagnoses fly over to the bird category 488 (Influenza due to identified avian influenza virus). Keep Using 487.x -- 'For Now' Provided you're up to date with the latest ICD-9 coding expert recommendations, your coding for confirmed cases should be on track. "Given the current coding constraints, 487.x (Influenza) is the best choice for the interim period," says Kathy Giannangelo, MA, RHIA, CCS, CPHIMS, FAHIMA, an independent consultant in Springfield, Ill. Reason: The current code 488 is specific for avian flu. The National Center for Health [...]
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