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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

ICD-9 Update:

TakeYour Coding Specificity Up a NotchWith 7 2010 Changes

Published on Mon Jun 01, 2009

Tumor lysis syndrome is getting its own code -- will you know where to look? CMS has revealed the 2010 ICD-9 code updates, and the main lesson is that using your ICD-9 index may prove more important than ever. Heres why: Most of the new codes will offer additional specificity to existing diseases (unique Merkel cell carcinoma codes, for example), which can help you code more accurately. And getting new diagnosis codes that provide additional specificity can certainly be a plus, says Marvel J. Hammer, RN, CPC, CCS-P, PCS, ACS-PM, CHCO, of MJH Consulting in Denver. But the revised code list doesnt just add specificity to your options. You may find that not all the new codes are located where you expect (dont make any assumptions about where youll find Merkel cell for unknown primary site). Get the full picture: CMSs proposed Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS)  rule includes a list [...]
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