ICD-10 Coding Alert
Code Updates:
Prepare for Radiology Coding Changes With the 2025 ICD-10-CM Release
Specify unspecified tenosynovitis diagnoses. On Oct. 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare &a... Read more
Prepare for Radiology Coding Changes With the 2025 ICD-10-CM Release
Specify unspecified tenosynovitis diagnoses. On Oct. 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare &a... Read more
Code Updates:
ICD-10-CM Makes Eating Disorder Documentation More Specific
Also, synovitis/tenosynovitis combo code expands. ICD-10-CM has released its list of ne... Read more
ICD-10-CM Makes Eating Disorder Documentation More Specific
Also, synovitis/tenosynovitis combo code expands. ICD-10-CM has released its list of ne... Read more
Documentation:
Dive into Malnutrition Diagnosis Documentation
Use the GLIM criteria to help you recognize requirements. An unsupported malnutrition dia... Read more
Dive into Malnutrition Diagnosis Documentation
Use the GLIM criteria to help you recognize requirements. An unsupported malnutrition dia... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Take 2 Steps to Code Testicular Lymphoma
Question: What is the correct coding for testicular lymphoma? I have always been told... Read more
Take 2 Steps to Code Testicular Lymphoma
Question: What is the correct coding for testicular lymphoma? I have always been told... Read more
Reader Questions:
Locate the Correct Lung Granuloma Code
Question: What code do I need to assign for a lung granuloma diagnosis? Codify Subsc... Read more
Locate the Correct Lung Granuloma Code
Question: What code do I need to assign for a lung granuloma diagnosis? Codify Subsc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn How to List Multiple Dx Codes Correctly
Question: I have a diagnostic radiology report for an encounter where the patient pre... Read more
Learn How to List Multiple Dx Codes Correctly
Question: I have a diagnostic radiology report for an encounter where the patient pre... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Delta Agent Info on Hepatitis Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the ED physician treated a patient with “a... Read more
Get Delta Agent Info on Hepatitis Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the ED physician treated a patient with “a... Read more
Diagnosis Focus:
Reinforce Your Acute Bronchitis Coding Skills
Find out if you need cause codes. Acute bronchitis typically manifests due to the presen... Read more
Reinforce Your Acute Bronchitis Coding Skills
Find out if you need cause codes. Acute bronchitis typically manifests due to the presen... Read more
Annual Updates:
Codes for Epilepsy Disc Degeneration Highlight New Additions
Do you know what KCNQ2-related epilepsy is? ICD-10 just settled on its list of new, revi... Read more
Codes for Epilepsy Disc Degeneration Highlight New Additions
Do you know what KCNQ2-related epilepsy is? ICD-10 just settled on its list of new, revi... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Learn to Differentiate Among Headache Codes
Also: review the migraine code set. Headaches come and go, and many people just chalk the... Read more
Learn to Differentiate Among Headache Codes
Also: review the migraine code set. Headaches come and go, and many people just chalk the... Read more
Reader Question:
Flex Your Coding Skills With This Charley-Horse Case
Question: The practitioner documents that a patient had a charley-horse. Which code i... Read more
Flex Your Coding Skills With This Charley-Horse Case
Question: The practitioner documents that a patient had a charley-horse. Which code i... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand Lund and Browder Method to Code This Burn Case
Question: A 15-year-old boy saw our pediatrician with second-degree burns to his upp... Read more
Understand Lund and Browder Method to Code This Burn Case
Question: A 15-year-old boy saw our pediatrician with second-degree burns to his upp... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Condition First on These Personality Change Disorders
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “frontal lobe synd.... Read more
Code Condition First on These Personality Change Disorders
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “frontal lobe synd.... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Surgeon’s Work Determines Diagnosis Code
Question: The surgeon took a tissue sample from the esophagus during an esophagogastr... Read more
Surgeon’s Work Determines Diagnosis Code
Question: The surgeon took a tissue sample from the esophagus during an esophagogastr... Read more
Specialty Spotlight:
Identify Key Knee Injury Diagnosis Codes
How do primary and secondary OA differ? The knee bears the weight of the human body and i... Read more
Identify Key Knee Injury Diagnosis Codes
How do primary and secondary OA differ? The knee bears the weight of the human body and i... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Test Yourself: Pregnant Patient Annual Exams
Be cautious about what you use for your primary diagnosis. To ethically maximize your ob-... Read more
Test Yourself: Pregnant Patient Annual Exams
Be cautious about what you use for your primary diagnosis. To ethically maximize your ob-... Read more
Mythbuster:
Shatter These Four Myths, Strengthen Signs and Symptoms Smarts
Get the 411 on what to code – and what to leave off – your claims. Choosing the ICD-1... Read more
Shatter These Four Myths, Strengthen Signs and Symptoms Smarts
Get the 411 on what to code – and what to leave off – your claims. Choosing the ICD-1... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Specific With Bone Cyst Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient has a solitary bone cyst on their s... Read more
Get Specific With Bone Cyst Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient has a solitary bone cyst on their s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Deduce the Correct 7th Character for an Elbow Fracture
Question: A patient presented to our radiology practice for a follow-up appointment o... Read more
Deduce the Correct 7th Character for an Elbow Fracture
Question: A patient presented to our radiology practice for a follow-up appointment o... Read more
Reader Questions:
Determine Your Dx After Cancer Surgery
Question: When can we bill a visit after a surgery for cancer? My colleague says that... Read more
Determine Your Dx After Cancer Surgery
Question: When can we bill a visit after a surgery for cancer? My colleague says that... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Solve This Swollen Leg Coding Case
Question: A patient presented with swelling from their left knee down to their foot a... Read more
Solve This Swollen Leg Coding Case
Question: A patient presented with swelling from their left knee down to their foot a... Read more
Specialty Focus:
Follow These Steps to Burn Coding Success
Corrosion or burn? Here's why it matters. Patients who report to the ED with burns have a... Read more
Follow These Steps to Burn Coding Success
Corrosion or burn? Here's why it matters. Patients who report to the ED with burns have a... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Move Quickly to Diagnose Patients With Movement Mobility Issues
Do you know what fasciculation is? There's a diagnosis code for it. Patients who report... Read more
Move Quickly to Diagnose Patients With Movement Mobility Issues
Do you know what fasciculation is? There's a diagnosis code for it. Patients who report... Read more
Diagnosis Deep Dive:
Breeze Through the Season Change with Denial-Proof Allergy Coding
Debunk these 3 myths to sail through allergy diagnosis codes. With allergy season in full... Read more
Breeze Through the Season Change with Denial-Proof Allergy Coding
Debunk these 3 myths to sail through allergy diagnosis codes. With allergy season in full... Read more
Reader Questions:
Strengthen Your Signs and Symptoms Coding
Question: When is it appropriate to code the signs and symptoms when a patient comes ... Read more
Strengthen Your Signs and Symptoms Coding
Question: When is it appropriate to code the signs and symptoms when a patient comes ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Gather Info for Accurate AAA Dx
Question: A patient reports to the ED with complaints of severe back pain, clammy ski... Read more
Gather Info for Accurate AAA Dx
Question: A patient reports to the ED with complaints of severe back pain, clammy ski... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know How Physician Tests for Rebound Tenderness
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffered from “ab rebound tendern... Read more
Know How Physician Tests for Rebound Tenderness
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffered from “ab rebound tendern... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Which Finger is Triggered for Correct Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “L trigger finger.... Read more
Know Which Finger is Triggered for Correct Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from “L trigger finger.... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use These Codes for High-Risk Meds During Pregnancy
Question: I need help locating the ICD-10 codes for use of high-risk medication duri... Read more
Use These Codes for High-Risk Meds During Pregnancy
Question: I need help locating the ICD-10 codes for use of high-risk medication duri... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Find Solution for This Golfer’s Malady
Question: On this claim, you should report: 73223 (Magnetic resonance (eg, proton)... Read more
Find Solution for This Golfer’s Malady
Question: On this claim, you should report: 73223 (Magnetic resonance (eg, proton)... Read more
Specialty Spotlight:
Put More Pep In Your Post-Menopausal Condition Coding
Remember the differences between urge and stress incontinence. Primary care practitioners... Read more
Put More Pep In Your Post-Menopausal Condition Coding
Remember the differences between urge and stress incontinence. Primary care practitioners... Read more
Diagnosis Focus:
Get Your Hypertension Coding Under Control
Know which HTN cases call for the use of a combination code. Many coders have coded at ... Read more
Get Your Hypertension Coding Under Control
Know which HTN cases call for the use of a combination code. Many coders have coded at ... Read more
Case Study:
Identify Which Image Tests Are Needed for Urinary Stone Dx
Remember to use one code for abdominal and pelvic CT scans. Regardless of whether your ra... Read more
Identify Which Image Tests Are Needed for Urinary Stone Dx
Remember to use one code for abdominal and pelvic CT scans. Regardless of whether your ra... Read more
Reader Questions:
Peek at This Palindromic Rheumatism Case
Question: The notes from my podiatrist reveal that a patient has been diagnosed with ... Read more
Peek at This Palindromic Rheumatism Case
Question: The notes from my podiatrist reveal that a patient has been diagnosed with ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Depend on CSF Leak Location to Code Dx
Question: If a patient suffers from a “CSF lead, skull base,” how should I choose... Read more
Depend on CSF Leak Location to Code Dx
Question: If a patient suffers from a “CSF lead, skull base,” how should I choose... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand UTI Coding Post Pregnancy
Question: I've coded urinary tract infections (UTIs) several times, but my colleagues... Read more
Understand UTI Coding Post Pregnancy
Question: I've coded urinary tract infections (UTIs) several times, but my colleagues... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Determine Whether to Code Dementia With Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Question: Dementia is a symptom of Alzheimer's, so does that mean I can't code them ... Read more
Determine Whether to Code Dementia With Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Question: Dementia is a symptom of Alzheimer's, so does that mean I can't code them ... Read more
Knowledge Refresh:
Brush Up on Warm Weather Coding Scenarios
Hint: Anaphylactic shock is a factor in insect bite coding. It seems to be getting warmer... Read more
Brush Up on Warm Weather Coding Scenarios
Hint: Anaphylactic shock is a factor in insect bite coding. It seems to be getting warmer... Read more
Specialty Focus:
Rely on These Tips When Using the Neoplasm Table
Check out these best practices to help you locate the right code every time. Even exper... Read more
Rely on These Tips When Using the Neoplasm Table
Check out these best practices to help you locate the right code every time. Even exper... Read more
Diagnosis Deep Dive:
Take on the Nitty-Gritty Details of Coding Pericarditis
Report I30.1 for infective pericarditis. When you encounter pericarditis in the documenta... Read more
Take on the Nitty-Gritty Details of Coding Pericarditis
Report I30.1 for infective pericarditis. When you encounter pericarditis in the documenta... Read more
Reader Questions:
Lean on Z Codes for STIs
Question: If a provider tests a patient for a sexually transmitted infection (STI), b... Read more
Lean on Z Codes for STIs
Question: If a provider tests a patient for a sexually transmitted infection (STI), b... Read more
Reader Question:
Refresh Status Asthmaticus Knowledge
Question: I have a report listing a patient's diagnosis as severe persistent asthma, ... Read more
Refresh Status Asthmaticus Knowledge
Question: I have a report listing a patient's diagnosis as severe persistent asthma, ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to T Category for This Chemo Complication
Question: A patient experiences throat pain from vomiting following chemotherapy. In ... Read more
Look to T Category for This Chemo Complication
Question: A patient experiences throat pain from vomiting following chemotherapy. In ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Define Foot Contracture to Code Condition
Question: The practitioner's notes indicate that the patient was treated for a “con... Read more
Define Foot Contracture to Code Condition
Question: The practitioner's notes indicate that the patient was treated for a “con... Read more
FAQ:
Check Your Embolism Coding Knowledge Here
Make sure you know how to distinguish one embolism from another. Experienced coders know ... Read more
Check Your Embolism Coding Knowledge Here
Make sure you know how to distinguish one embolism from another. Experienced coders know ... Read more
Diagnosis Deep Dive:
Get the Skinny on IBD
Learn the anatomy of the code sets for each condition. Many coders encounter diagnoses ... Read more
Get the Skinny on IBD
Learn the anatomy of the code sets for each condition. Many coders encounter diagnoses ... Read more
Specialty Focus:
Explore Options for Pediatric Neurosurgery Conditions
Know how to code conditions like craniomegalic skull repair. Neurosurgery is always a del... Read more
Explore Options for Pediatric Neurosurgery Conditions
Know how to code conditions like craniomegalic skull repair. Neurosurgery is always a del... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Specific With Operation Complications
Question: If a patient suffers from an intra- or postoperative complication involving... Read more
Get Specific With Operation Complications
Question: If a patient suffers from an intra- or postoperative complication involving... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Context on Immunodeficiency Codes
Question: What kind of support is needed to report D84.821? Do I need to see an immun... Read more
Find Context on Immunodeficiency Codes
Question: What kind of support is needed to report D84.821? Do I need to see an immun... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rely on C67- for This Bladder Cancer Dx
Question: The surgeon performed a cystoscopic bladder biopsy and noted in the operati... Read more
Rely on C67- for This Bladder Cancer Dx
Question: The surgeon performed a cystoscopic bladder biopsy and noted in the operati... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check Out Options for Follow-Up Surgery
Question: A patient had surgery on their left foot. During a postoperative visit, the... Read more
Check Out Options for Follow-Up Surgery
Question: A patient had surgery on their left foot. During a postoperative visit, the... Read more
Reader Questions:
Obey Sequencing Order to Give Context to These Conditions
Question: Our pediatrician recently diagnosed a patient with bronchopneumonia and ... Read more
Obey Sequencing Order to Give Context to These Conditions
Question: Our pediatrician recently diagnosed a patient with bronchopneumonia and ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Query Provider for More Info on Possible Metastasis
Question: One of our patients had known invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast and h... Read more
Query Provider for More Info on Possible Metastasis
Question: One of our patients had known invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast and h... Read more
Specialty Spotlight:
Pocket This Demyelinating Disease Primer
Hint: You'll need to code to 5th character for some diagnoses. Neurology practices may fr... Read more
Pocket This Demyelinating Disease Primer
Hint: You'll need to code to 5th character for some diagnoses. Neurology practices may fr... Read more
Best Practices:
Refresh Your Sleep Problem Knowledge
Plus, find how which populations are more likely to experience this condition. Condition... Read more
Refresh Your Sleep Problem Knowledge
Plus, find how which populations are more likely to experience this condition. Condition... Read more
FAQ:
Explore Joint Effusion Coding Tips
Rely on anatomical site to code this condition correctly. Knowing exactly which part of... Read more
Explore Joint Effusion Coding Tips
Rely on anatomical site to code this condition correctly. Knowing exactly which part of... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to T Code for Aortic Root Abscess
Question: Following an imaging scan, the physician listed the findings as aortic root... Read more
Look to T Code for Aortic Root Abscess
Question: Following an imaging scan, the physician listed the findings as aortic root... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Confuse Postviral Syndrome for CFS
Question: Are all fatigue syndromes the same, for diagnosis purposes? For example, if... Read more
Don’t Confuse Postviral Syndrome for CFS
Question: Are all fatigue syndromes the same, for diagnosis purposes? For example, if... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Suspicious of Skeptical Language
Question: Our providers are notorious for using “consistent with” and “likely... Read more
Be Suspicious of Skeptical Language
Question: Our providers are notorious for using “consistent with” and “likely... Read more
Reader Questions:
Read Alternate Terms in This “Other” Diagnosis
Question: If a patient has spinal cord edema, should I report the condition with G95.... Read more
Read Alternate Terms in This “Other” Diagnosis
Question: If a patient has spinal cord edema, should I report the condition with G95.... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Understand Diagnostic Mammography
Question: A 63-year-old patient presented to a radiology practice for a diagnostic ma... Read more
Understand Diagnostic Mammography
Question: A 63-year-old patient presented to a radiology practice for a diagnostic ma... Read more
Case Study:
Navigate Colposcopy With Gynecological Scenarios With Ease
Hint: Distinguish a biopsy from a LEEP biopsy via the instrument used. Figuring out which... Read more
Navigate Colposcopy With Gynecological Scenarios With Ease
Hint: Distinguish a biopsy from a LEEP biopsy via the instrument used. Figuring out which... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Find Out Whether You’re Implementing Current Codes Correctly
Did the annual ICD-10-CM updates pulmonology throw you for a loop? The annual ICD-10-CM u... Read more
Find Out Whether You’re Implementing Current Codes Correctly
Did the annual ICD-10-CM updates pulmonology throw you for a loop? The annual ICD-10-CM u... Read more
Specialty Spotlight:
Pocket This Guide to Code Common Neurologic Conditions
Double down on your headache syndrome coding know-how. Coders working with a neurology p... Read more
Pocket This Guide to Code Common Neurologic Conditions
Double down on your headache syndrome coding know-how. Coders working with a neurology p... Read more
Knowledge Check:
Plumb Your J-Code Understanding
See if you caught the right codes for this common pneumonia. Coders had ample warning th... Read more
Plumb Your J-Code Understanding
See if you caught the right codes for this common pneumonia. Coders had ample warning th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Read Descriptors Carefully for MZL Dx
Question: How would you code marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) with spleen involvement? My... Read more
Read Descriptors Carefully for MZL Dx
Question: How would you code marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) with spleen involvement? My... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be a Documentation Detective for Post-Op Pain
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from postoperative pain. Wh... Read more
Be a Documentation Detective for Post-Op Pain
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffers from postoperative pain. Wh... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Charley Horse Code Relief
Question: The provider documents that a patient had a charley horse. Which code is th... Read more
Find Charley Horse Code Relief
Question: The provider documents that a patient had a charley horse. Which code is th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Delve Into Achilles Tendon Injury Intricacies
Question: When a patient suffers an injured Achilles tendon, what is the correct ICD-... Read more
Delve Into Achilles Tendon Injury Intricacies
Question: When a patient suffers an injured Achilles tendon, what is the correct ICD-... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Depend on Lesion Diameter Measurement
Question: A 27-year-old patient who is 40 weeks pregnant presented The provider exci... Read more
Depend on Lesion Diameter Measurement
Question: A 27-year-old patient who is 40 weeks pregnant presented The provider exci... Read more
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Know There’s No Specific ICD-10-CM Option for Documenting ‘Gummies’
Question: Which code would I use for documenting the accidental ingestion of a cannab... Read more
Know There’s No Specific ICD-10-CM Option for Documenting ‘Gummies’
Question: Which code would I use for documenting the accidental ingestion of a cannab... Read more
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Explore Details for Migraine Dx
Question: I read “migraine” in a patient's encounter notes, and I'm trying to und... Read more
Explore Details for Migraine Dx
Question: I read “migraine” in a patient's encounter notes, and I'm trying to und... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Take Your ICD-10 Coding to the Next Level With These Pointers
Remember the quirkiness of the Index. You probably know that a fear of confined spaces is... Read more
Take Your ICD-10 Coding to the Next Level With These Pointers
Remember the quirkiness of the Index. You probably know that a fear of confined spaces is... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Coding Rely on Definitions for T36-T65 Codes
Question: What's the difference between adverse effect and toxic effect? The ICD-10-CM cod... Read more
Coding Rely on Definitions for T36-T65 Codes
Question: What's the difference between adverse effect and toxic effect? The ICD-10-CM cod... Read more
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Don’t Assume Anxiety and Depression Link
Question: How do you code a scenario where the patient has depression and anxiety? Do you ... Read more
Don’t Assume Anxiety and Depression Link
Question: How do you code a scenario where the patient has depression and anxiety? Do you ... Read more
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Which ICD-10-CM Categories Should Never Be Used As Primary Diagnoses?
Nail down which codes qualify only as secondary diagnoses. Every coder knows that assigni... Read more
Which ICD-10-CM Categories Should Never Be Used As Primary Diagnoses?
Nail down which codes qualify only as secondary diagnoses. Every coder knows that assigni... Read more
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Stay on Top of Code Updates
Question: I've been using code F50.8- pretty regularly for years, but I tried to use it on... Read more
Stay on Top of Code Updates
Question: I've been using code F50.8- pretty regularly for years, but I tried to use it on... Read more