Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
Leg Weakness Leads to General Codes
Question: What is the appropriate diagnosis code for "leg weakness"?
Kansas Subscriber
Answer: You'll find few weakness codes in the ICD-9 book, but you should review with your neurologist the diagnosis codes for generalized weakness and muscle weakness: 780.79 (Other malaise and fatigue) and 728.87 (Muscle weakness).
Ask what the neurologist means by "leg weakness." Has he documented muscle weakness, or is the patient simply complaining of "being weak in the legs," a phrase that might mean generalized fatigue or weakness?
For example, you wouldn't use the general 728.87 for facial droop. The answers to further investigation would direct you to the appropriate, more specific code - 781.94 (Facial weakness).
Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
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Ease a Headache With Botox Code 64612
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Supply Costs Included in EMG Codes
Question: Can we bill separately for supplies in addition to the standard CPT codes when [...] - Reader Questions:
Leg Weakness Leads to General Codes
Question: What is the appropriate diagnosis code for "leg weakness"?
Kansas Subscriber
Answer: You'll find few [...] - Reader Questions:
There's No Modifier for Incident-To
Question: Should I use a modifier when reporting services provided "incident-to" the neurologist's care?
Utah Subscriber
Answer: [...] - Reader Questions:
Don't Count on Cash for Educational Materials
Question: Is there a way we can offset the cost of educational materials, pamphlets, etc., [...] - Reader Questions:
Payers Might Request 95951 Documentation
Question: We recently submitted a claim for 95951. Our billing service states that they cannot [...]
