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ICD-10 Coding Alert

PCS:
Your Provider's Transfusion Notes Must Specify Body Part, Approach, Substance, and Qualifier
Check out how many PCS options you have without detailed information. Notes describing th... Read more
Documentation:
Gastric Ulcers Morph to K25 in ICD-10
Observe minor changes to list of inclusions and exclusions. When you report gastric ul... Read more
Diagnosis Spotlight:
ICD-10 Amplifies Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Choices
Pay attention to site and side of the hemorrhage. You may find it confusing to move fr... Read more
Ob-Gyn:
Jump to O24.4-- Codes for Gestational Diabetes in ICD-10
If the gestational diabetes is treated with both diet and insulin, code this. Gestational... Read more
General Surgery:
S21.1_ Adds Detail Beyond 876.0 for Back Wounds
Laceration, puncture, and more expand codes. Coding wound closure requires identifying wo... Read more
Oncology:
282.62's Counterparts Specify Sickle Cell Crisis Types
Choose among 3 options when the code set changes. When sickle cell anemia results in cris... Read more
Reader Question:
Locate Your Leukorrhea Code In the ICD-10 Manual
Question: How should I report leukorrhea in ICD-10? Florida Subscriber Answer: Leukorrhea... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Join the Search for Jones Fracture Code
Question: A physician in my practice listed Jones fracture as the patient’s diagno... Read more
PCS:
PCS: Fill In 2 Blanks to Report This Carotid Bypass Procedure Code
Without key information, you will have too many potential codes. Drastic changes are comin... Read more
Implementation:
Expert Breaks Down Your ICD-10 Transition Plan into 5 Phases
Don't forget to include productivity loss in your budget.You need to make a plan for an IC... Read more
Diagnosis Spotlight:
Check How Your Most Common Connective Tissue Diagnoses Could Change
Familiarize yourself now with a few codes that will have broader application.Your diagnosi... Read more
Documentation:
Differentiate Between Tenderness and Rebound Tenderness For ICD-10 Clarity
You'll still focus on type of pain and location to choose a code.When your physician sees ... Read more
Cardiology:
747.0 to Q25.0: Prepare for a Q-Code Switch in 2014
Don't miss the role of Z87.74 when coding this diagnosis. You'll have to mind ... Read more
Radiology:
727.61 Counterpart Requires Right/Left Rotator Cuff Distinction
Head to M75.12- when documentation doesn't specify 'traumatic.'Before reporting ICD-10 cod... Read more
Gastroenterology:
Achalasia Glides Smoothly to K22.0 in ICD-10
Note minor changes to the descriptor for Achalasia.When your gastroenterologist arrives at... Read more
Oncology:
D70.1 Will Offer a Chemotherapy-Specific Neutropenia Option
Start thinking in terms of 'agranulocytosis.'Once ICD-10-CM replaces ICD-9-CM in 2014, not... Read more
Reader Question:
Select 'Unspecified' Appendix Code
Question: Our surgeon removed a patient's appendix, and the pathology report returned with... Read more
Reader Question:
Know What's Coming for the 2013 Version of ICD-9
Question: Are there any ICD-9-CM updates planned for 2013?Codify SubscriberAnswer: No... Read more
Reader Question:
Seek Seminoma Encounter Codes
Question: What is the proper coding for this encounter? A patient presented for chemothera... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Malignant Behavior Leads Struma Ovarii Choice
Question: The pathology report states, "right ovary with struma ovarii showing multifocal ... Read more
PCS:
Discover Why Writing "Right Carotid Endarterectomy" Won't Be Enough in 2014
Hint: Even if the physician doesn't use a device, you need to know that.If the physician d... Read more
Diagnosis Spotlight:
Cheer for Eosinophilic Esophagitis's Smooth Transition in ICD-10
Observe minor changes to the inclusion lists for esophagitis.Acid reflux and heartburn are... Read more
Documentation:
Zero in on Documentation Specifics For Neck of Femur Fracture 6th, 7th Digits
Confirm side for closed fractures, side and type for open fractures.ICD-9 gives you option... Read more
Otolaryngology:
Acute Laryngitis Remains Easy Coding With J04.0 in ICD-10
Look how many conditions the code will represent when ICD-10 goes into effect.Diagnosis co... Read more
Anesthesiology:
Bleed Location Directs Your Hemorrhage Coding In ICD-10
Prepare now for 50+ new codes associated with 998.11.When your anesthesiologist participat... Read more
General Surgery:
Add 'Excess Calories' to Obesity Documentation
Don't confuse 'other' with 'unspecified.'Although coding morbid obesity won't tell the who... Read more
Internal Medicine:
Coding Tenderness or Rebound Tenderness of the Abdomen
Be more specific on Type of pain, quadrant affected in the new code system.If a patient pr... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Exact Anesthesia Minutes, Not Rounded Time Units
Question: Our anesthesia practice is out of network with many insurance companies. We don'... Read more
Reader Question:
Find Your Dermoid Cyst Dx Here
Question: The ob-gyn is having the patient return for close follow-up because she had a la... Read more
Reader Question:
Find Help for This HELLP Syndrome Scenario
Question: Patient has HELLP syndrome and is 18 weeks pregnant. The ob-gyns decide to end t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Nab Proper Neuropathy Code
Question: What diagnosis codes would you use on this clinic follow-up visit? Patient has m... Read more
News You Can Use:
CMS Confirms Oct. 1, 2014 As New ICD-10 Implementation Date
One year delay is expected to allow practices more time to prepare.It's been nearly eight ... Read more
Diagnosis Spotlight:
Turn to 'H61' Series for Impacted Cerumen Coding Under ICD-10
Here's how your documentation has to change.Currently, you have one way to report impacted... Read more
Etiology:
Future Acute Bronchitis Coding: Etiology is Important
Single ICD-9 code transforms to ten codes in ICD-10.You'll face big changes in reporting a... Read more
Cardiology:
414.8 to I25.5: Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Lands Its Own Code Under ICD-10
The new implementation date is set. Are your preparations on track?Oct. 1, 2014: That's th... Read more
Urology:
Switch to K66.0 for Peritoneal Adhesion Diagnoses in 2014
You'll only need to note small exclusion note changes.While ICD-10 will bring a lot of cha... Read more
Radiology:
568.0 and K66.0 Are Similar, But There's a Twist
News alert: The implementation date for the new code set is now official.Oct. 1, 2014, is ... Read more
Dermatology:
172 Update: Look for C43, D03 Melanoma Families in ICD-10
Also: Big changes coming to in situ coding.Even though ICD-10 implementation has been dela... Read more
Reader Question:
174.x Is Just the Start for This Case
Question: How should we code malignant breast cancer with metastasis to liver and bone?Ten... Read more
You Be the Coder:
ICD-10 Will Solve This Fetal Demise Diagnosis Issue
Question: I had a question regarding the ICD-9 code 651.3X and ultrasound (US) coding. For... Read more
Training Tips:
Drill Down to Manifestations to Report Substance Use and Dependence Dx
Tip: Get Clarity on abuse vs dependence to get the correct code. Get ready to change y... Read more
Diagnosis Spotlight:
Take the 'Complicated' Out of Adding Complication Visits to the Global Ob Package
Hint: You can report complications before or after delivery. You can receive increased re... Read more
News You Can Use:
Don't Hold Your Breath For ICD-11 as an ICD-10 Alternative
Here's why CMS will ignore the AMA's endorsement. Last month, you checked out the ICD-11 ... Read more
Specialty Corners:
Internal Medicine:Move Personal History of Colon Cancer From V Codes to Z-Series Code
Code descriptor may not change when ICD-10 kicks off. A personal history of colon cancer ... Read more
Oncology:
157.8 Splits Into 'Other' and 'Overlapping Sites' Options for Pancreas
Check the guidelines before reporting ectopic tissue neoplasms. When documentation shows ... Read more
Pathology:
N84 Merges ICD-9 621 and 622 Polyp Codes
Follow 'location' to choose the right code. Uterine polyp reporting gets much ... Read more
Anesthesiology:
Breast Neoplasms Will Shift from 174-175 to C50
Male and female breast diagnoses will be combined into one family. You currently have ... Read more
Reader Question:
Look to More Specific Swimmer's Ear Options in ICD-10
Question: A patient presented to our practice with swimmer's ear. How should we report th... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Out Seventh Digits for Extravasation
Question: I need to report chemotherapy extravasation. Should I report 996.1 (mechanical ... Read more
Reader Question:
You Can Apply Postpartum Condition Even 2 Years After Pregnancy
Question: Patient had hysteroscopy with lysis of adhesions and a dilation and curettage ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Learn What's In Store for ICD-9 2013
Question: Are there any ICD-9-cm Updates planned for 2013? Iowa Subscriber Answer: N... Read more
Breaking News:
Supreme Court Ruling on 'ObamaCare' Got You Wondering About ICD-10? We Have Answers.
Best bet: Keep up your implementation plans. In the wake of the Supreme Court's recent rul... Read more
ICD-10-PCS:
How to Determine the Device Value For Your PCS Code's Character 6
Bonus: Tackle this combination of materials special case. To complete your seven character... Read more
Training Tips:
Target These Areas To Fast Track Your ED Diagnosis Coding Transition
From extreme epistasis to dolphin bites, specificity is all important with ICD-10.Although... Read more
Diagnosis Spotlight:
Learn These Easy Steps For Neurofibromatosis Reporting
Hint: Let disease type guide you to the right code.Neurofibromatosis may pop up as a diagn... Read more
News You Can Use:
AMA 'Evaluating ICD-11' As ICD-9 Alternative
Do you think CMS has responded? Find out. The American Medical Association (AMA) has m... Read more
Cardiology:
413.9 Will Divide Into 'Other' and 'Unspecified' ICD-10 Options
Don't assume -- let the inclusion notes guide your angina code choice.When ICD-10 rep... Read more
Family Practice:
Prepare Now for Greatly Expanded Varicose Vein Diagnoses
Your coding options explode with ICD-10.When your family physician diagnoses varicose vein... Read more
Reader Question:
A Dozen ICD-10 Options Could Solve the Dens Fracture Mystery
Question: How should I code a Fracture of the Dens? There was no spinal cord injury or men... Read more
Reader Question:
You Don't Have to Be From Fargo to Know About Wood Chipper Safety
Question: Patient presents to ER with finger laceration after cleaning a wood chipper that... Read more
You Be the Coder:
D69.3 and More Apply to This Case
Question: I'm coding for a patient with ITP, neutropenia, and macrocytic anemia. The physi... Read more
News You Can Use:
Medical Community Split on Advantages to ICD-10 Delay
But AMA wants further delay to 2015. Whether you submitted comments to CMS about the new p... Read more
Diagnosis Spotlight:
New Codes Mean More Specificity For Barrett's Esophagus
Look at dysplastic changes to guide your code choice. Barrett's esophagus is a com... Read more
ICD-10-PCS:
Define Your Physician's Approach Using PCS Code's 5th Character
You have seven potential options. Every ICD-10-PCS code has seven characters, each cha... Read more
Pulmonology:
Pneumoconiosis Diagnoses Will Denote the Type of Inorganic Dust Inhaled
Type of inhaled inorganic dust is vital for accurate coding.If your pulmonologist treats p... Read more
Orthopedics:
ICD-10 Gets Specific For Diastasis Of Muscle
Cause, not site guide you to the right code.You can expect ICD-10 to bring lots of changes... Read more
Ob-Gyn:
Your 669.7x Cesarean Delivery Codes Merge into 1 Code in ICD-10
Hint: You must include an outcome code. When you report the cesarean delivery code in ... Read more
Radiology:
453.42 Splits Into Tibial, Other, and Unspecified ICD-10 Options
You'll need to know the leg involved to choose the best DVT code.Coding for deep vein thro... Read more
Reader Question:
Documentation Matters for Vaginal Cuff With Hematoma Evacuation
Question: My physician documented: "Open of the vaginal cuff with evacuation of the hemato... Read more
Reader Question:
287.3 and More Apply to This Case
Question: I'm coding for a patient with ITP, neutropenia, and macrocytic anemia. The physi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
427.1 OK for Sustained and Nonsustained
Question: Which code applies to nonsustained ventricular tachycardia?Georgia SubscriberAns... Read more
Your Coding Manual:
Discover How to Navigate Your ICD-10-CM Manual -- And Don't Miss These Subtle Differences
Your Injury/Poisoning codes and E codes completely transform. Good news! You'll f... Read more
ICD-10-PCS:
To Build Your ICD-10-PCS Code, You Must Identify the Root Operation
Hint: If your doc performs two root operations, report two PCS codes.When you build a PCS ... Read more
Anatomy and Physiology:
N80.2, N83.0 and More: Match the Code to the Female Reproductive Site
Give your coding a boost by tying code digits to actual structures.When your radiologist i... Read more
Specialties:
Cardiology: I11.- Codes Eliminate Malignant/Benign Dilemma
Your documentation no longer needs to distinguish this attribute.The ICD-10 implementation... Read more
Urology:
Combine Kidney Plus Ureter Calculus Under 1 Code in ICD-10
Use 2 examples to master Excludes1 vs. Excludes2 notes. Kidney stone sufferers number ... Read more
Family Practice:
Change to R04.0 for Epistaxis Under ICD-10
Plus: Remember right/left modifiers according to payer policy.Under ICD-9 rules, you have ... Read more
Reader Question:
30901 Can Pair With E/M Code
Question: A patient experienced a nosebleed while in the office. The hematologist used pac... Read more
Reader Question:
Double Check Coding for Left and Right Lung
Question: If the physician documents that the patient has a primary neoplasm of the right ... Read more
Reader Question:
ICD-10 is More Specific for Fibromyalgia
Question: Is there a specific code for fibromyalgia?Ohio SubscriberAnswer: Currently, your... Read more
You Be the Coder:
How to Interpret NEC and NOS in ICD-10
Question: I was looking at the ICD-10-CM manual, and I noticed NEC and NOS. I know they st... Read more
News You Can Use:
CMS Proposes One-Year Delay for ICD-10
Don't count on the delay quite yet, coding expert warns. No doubt you have been w... Read more
Diagnosis Spotlight:
Got Gout? Here's What Documentation You Must Have for ICD-10-CM
Don't miss what these seventh characters mean.A diagnosis of gout might seem simple enough... Read more
Anatomy and Physiology:
Take a Sneak Peak at Correct Coding for Cerebral Emboli
Anatomical site, laterality, infarctions guide you to correct code.When ICD-10 hits, you w... Read more
Training Tips:
6 Steps Show You How -- and Why -- You Must Be More Specific With Muscle and Connective Tissue Disorders
Hint: Pay attention to the site of involvement.Practices seeing patients with orthopedic c... Read more
Correction
In the 2012, volume 2, number 3 issue of the ICD-10 Coding Alert, you will find a typo in ... Read more
Anesthesia:
Prepare Now for Multiple Diagnosis Choices for Secondary Parkinsonism
ICD-10 will expand options for more specificity.Anesthesia providers sometimes rely on und... Read more
General Surgery:
C50 Incorporates 174-175
Male and female breast dx collapse to one family.You're used to choosing codes from separa... Read more
Reader Question:
Get Your Missing IUD Diagnoses Straight
Question: We had a patient present today wanting her intrauterine device (IUD) removed. Sh... Read more
Reader Question:
M77.3- Applies to Achilles Tendon Spur
Question: What is the correct diagnosis code for Achilles tendon spur?Codify MemberAnswer:... Read more
You Be the Coder:
"X" Won't Just Mark a Spot in ICD-10-PCS
Question: I've read articles or heard instructors who use "x" as a way to show that codes ... Read more
News You Can Use:
October 1, 2013 Is No Longer Your ICD-10 Deadline -- Date Is Postponed, HHS Confirms
Delay could offer practices additional time to prepare. Just three months ago, CMS represe... Read more
What's YOUR Reaction to the ICD-10 Delay?
Chime in by emailing the editor.The coding industry's reaction to the ICD-10 delay has run... Read more
ICD-10-PCS:
Step 1 to Coding Section "0" ICD-10-PCS? Identify the Body System
Familiarize yourself with the 28 possible numbers and letters.The "Medical and Surgical" o... Read more
Documentation:
Don't Let "Urosepsis" Infect Your ICD-10 Claim With Errors
If your MD doesn't want queries, then strike this term from future notes.If you receive a ... Read more
Family Practice:
Watch for New Code Family J32.x for Chronic Sinusitis
Descriptors will add a fourth digit to specify location.Under the current ICD-9-CM code se... Read more
Gastroenterology:
Look For Appropriate K Codes for Duodenal Ulcers in ICD-10
Obstruction is no longer vital for correct coding.When reporting duodenal ulcers in ICD-10... Read more
Pediatrics:
Consider These Big ICD-10 Changes for Diabetes Coding
Under ICD-10, you'll say goodbye to the '250.x' series.As most pediatric coders are aware,... Read more
Radiology:
S83.2 -- "A" Options May Make You Long for the Simplicity of 836.1
Prepare now for more specific knee injury codin.One of the many differences you'll notice ... Read more
Reader Question:
I47.0 OK for Sustained and Nonsustained Tachycardia
Question: Which code applies to nonsustained ventricular tachycardia?Georgia SubscriberAns... Read more
Reader Question:
569.81 Migrates to K63.2 for ICD-10
Question: What is the correct ICD-9 code for a mucous fistula encountered during a transve... Read more
Reader Question:
C25.4 Is Appropriate for PNET
Question: Which diagnosis code describes PNET, Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, malignant?... Read more
Reader Question:
Get Your Missing IUD Diagnoses Straight
Question: We had a patient present today wanting her intrauterine device (IUD) removed. Sh... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Prep Your ICD-10 Breast Specimen Coding
Question:Our pathologists examine lots of breast cases, so we're trying to prepare f... Read more
Coding Guidelines:
5 Tips Establish How You Should Report Late Effects (Sequela)
Here's the code you should sequence first. You may know what late effects are in ICD-9, bu... Read more
ICD-10-PCS:
Examine How PCS Organizes Root Operations
Key: Boil down what physician performed to match root operation definitions. If you w... Read more
News You Can Use:
CMS Outlines New ICD-10 Codes for 2012
Plus: Some RAC programs have been put on the back burner for now.You may not be familiar w... Read more
Learning Activity:
Test Yourself By Matching GEMs Terms to These Statements
Did you catch what forward/backward mapping means?Occasionally, we will offer you an activ... Read more
Specialties:
Cardiology:453.42 Explodes Into Multiple Site-Specific I82.4- Codes
You'll need quick access to documentation of right, left, or bilateral.Coding for deep vei... Read more
Urology:
Prostate Cancer Coding Mirrors ICD-9 Neoplasm Table Structure
Hint: You'll apply the same PIN rules even when the codes change. If you don't... Read more
Otolaryngology:
Your 'Other Anomalies' Code 748.3 Expands to More Specific 'Other' Codes
Tip: Beware submitting probable diagnoses.If you use 748.3 for all your 'other' congenital... Read more
Neurosurgery:
Expect to Expand Your Herpes Zoster Complication Options
Learn how to report these codes using these five examples.You may be faced with a situatio... Read more
Reader Question:
I47.2 OK for Sustained and Nonsustained
Question: Which code applies to nonsustained ventricular tachycardia? Georgia SubscriberAn... Read more
Reader Question:
Refer to N97.8 for Couple's Infertility Diagnosis
Question: What diagnosis code should I use for an office visit where a patient and her hus... Read more
Reader Question:
Align R04.0 With This Endoscopic Nosebleed Scenario
Question: A patient came into our office with a nosebleed. My otolaryngologist provided ep... Read more
Reader Question:
M77.3- Applies to Achilles Tendon Spur
Question: What is the correct ICD-9 code for Achilles tendon spur?Codify MemberAnswer: You... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Refer to N97.8 for Couple's Infertility Diagnosis
Question: What diagnosis code should I use for an office visit where a patient and her hus... Read more
Coding Guidelines:
Think All ICD-9 Codes Expand Into Multiple Options? Think Again.
Here's how you should report conditions both acute and chronic. You may be operating u... Read more
Coverage:
CMS Is Converting Coverage Decisions to Include ICD-10 Codes
Plus: Medicaid contractors are working to meet ICD-10 deadline.As of publication date, CMS... Read more
Tools:
Get Ready for ICD-10 With These CMS Templates, Planning Assistance
Whether large or small, you'll find guidance for your practice. With less than two... Read more
GEMs:
Making This "True Crosswalk" Assumption Could Cost You Time and Money
Follow this guide to find out what each flag really means. You have seen plenty of ICD... Read more
Specialties:
Oncology: 202.8x Will Make Way for C85.8- and C85.9-
'Other specified' and 'unspecified' NHL fall under different codes in ICD-10.When you star... Read more
Orthopedics:
Pay Attention to Laterality When Reporting Meralgia Paresthetica
Key: ICD-10 has different codes for the right and left limbs.Meralgia paresthetica may be ... Read more
General Surgery:
5 K38 ICD-10 Codes Expand ICD-9 Appendicitis Specificity
Some conditions gets one-to-one crosswalk. When your surgeon removes an appendix, you&... Read more
Reader Question:
How to Report Pregnancy Patient Transfers
Question: If a patient transfers out prior to delivery, how should I bill for all visits t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Refer to N97.8 for Couple's Infertility Diagnosis
Question: What diagnosis code should I use for an office visit where a patient and her hus... Read more
Available Years:  2012  2011