Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

But you should keep using 724.3 for spinal stenosis.You're likely holding your breath in anticipation of the numerous changes expected with ICD-10. But don't overlook the coding changes in ICD-9 2011 that may affect how your neurology practice uses cognition codes later this year. Stay ahead of the curve with this preview of new diagnosis codes.724.03 Puts More Detail into EMG TestingThe ICD-9 2011 changes expand disease subcategories to provide more specific descriptions. New diagnosis codes that provide additional specificity can definitely be considered a positive for coders looking to provide more accurate claims.One such case is with new code 724.03 (Spinal stenosis, lumbar region, with neurogenic claudication).Neurologists may perform diagnostic neuromuscular electrodiagnostic tests to determine whether the symptoms in a patient's extremities can be classified as neurogenic claudication due to stenosis. These may include: electromyography (EMG, 95860-95872, Needle electromyography) nerve conduction studies (NCS, 95900-95904, Nerve conduction, amplitude and latency/velocity [...]