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ICD 10 Coding Alert

Diagnosis Spotlight:

Got Gout? Here's What Documentation You Must Have for ICD-10-CM

Published on Mon Apr 16, 2012

Don't miss what these seventh characters mean.A diagnosis of gout might seem simple enough to code, but a quick look at your ICD-9 choices shows more than 10 viable options. Ask your physician to provide details to help you pinpoint the correct code -- and to help prepare for ICD-10, when you'll have even more choices to consider.Is It Joint Pain, Arthritis, or Gout?Part of accurate coding includes understanding the conditions you're reporting.Gout is a form of arthritis of the joint that occurs due to high levels of uric acid in the blood. Elevated uric acid levels associated with gout attacks causes uric acid crystals to deposit in the synovial fluid of the joints and other soft tissues.Joints are a primary target site for uric acid crystal deposition. When crystals form in the synovial fluid, it causes recurring attacks of joint inflammation, or arthritis. Chronic gout can lead to deposits of [...]
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