Warning: ICD-9 has replaced V58.1 (Chemotherapy) with two new codes.
What to do: For services on or after Oct. 1, 2005, report V58.11 (Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy) or V58.12 (Encounter for antineoplastic immunotherapy) depending on your patient's condition. Code V58.1 is no longer valid.
The goal of ICD-9 was to distinguish immunotherapy from chemotherapy encounters. Check your payers- local policies to see how these new codes will affect claims.
Don't forget: You-ve got new ICD-9 codes for genetic testing and hydration, as well. See the October issue of Oncology Coding Alert for more information.