Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: Our neurologist is seeking a diagnosis code for a pineal cyst. I looked under cyst"" in the ICD-9 book and there is nothing listed as ""pineal."" Can you advise us on a code for this?

 

Alaska Subscriber

 

Answer: Because many pineal cysts are benign and don't frequently cause major problems, no specific ICD-9 has been established to describe this condition. The closest code for a pineal cyst would be 348.0 (cerebral cysts). Use box 19 (the comment or memo field) of the HCFA 1500 form to mention ""supporting documentation attached"" or to give a three-word description of the condition. This is especially helpful with claims that are being sent or processed electronically.