Orthopedic Coding Alert
New Decubitus Ulcer Codes Shouldn't Be Confusing
Question: I noticed that ICD-9 2005 added an "unspecified site" and "other specified" decubitus ulcer code. When should I use each diagnosis? Answer: You should choose between 707.00 (Decubitus ulcer; unspecified site) and 707.09 (... other site) based on your orthopedist's documentation. Think of the different diagnoses as lack of information versus lack of ICD-9 code. If the orthopedist doesn't dictate the ulcer's site, and you have no other information about the sore, you should report the unspecified site with 707.00.
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But when the ICD-9 guidebook doesn't contain a code that describes the decubitus ulcer site that the physician treated, you should use 707.09 for another specified site.
Example: The physician sees a patient recovering from hip arthroplasty and treats a bedsore on her calf. Because no CPT code describes a decubitus ulcer code on the calf, you should submit "other site" with 707.09.
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