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Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Zero In on Your ICD-9 Rejections

Published on Tue Jan 16, 2007

Question: Why does 787.2 require a fifth digit? Since Oct. 1, 2007, my payers have rejected all the claims I've submitted electronically with 787.2. Kentucky Subscriber Answer: Your claims were rejected because 787.2 (Dysphagia) no longer exists. As of Oct. 1, you should be using ICD-9 2008's new codes for dysphagia: • 787.20 -- Dysphagia, unspecified • 787.21 -- Dysphagia, oral phase • 787.22 -- Dysphagia, oropharyngeal phase • 787.23 -- Dysphagia, pharyngeal phase • 787.24 -- Dysphagia, pharyngoesophageal phase • 787.29 -- Other dysphagia. Watch out: More specific codes can create problems if your physicians' documentation doesn't match your new options. Make certain your physicians have a job aid listing the more specific codes. Also, you may want to send an e-mail or memo with the new codes and encourage better documentation.
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