Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Learn the Difference Between NEC and NOS Designations
Question: One thing I’ve seen when looking at the ICD-10-CM manual is the note of “NEC” and “NOS.” I know they stand for Not Elsewhere Classifiable (NEC) and Not Otherwise Specified (NOS), but will I need to know how to use them in ICD-10-CM?
California Subscriber
Answer: Like ICD-9, the NEC (Not Elsewhere Classifiable) abbreviation contains codes for “other” types of specified conditions that haven’t already been classified. For example, you would use an NEC code if the physician specifies a complication arising with the patient’s condition but does not specify the manifestation.
When your physician doesn’t clearly specify the condition, you can use a NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) code. Be warned, however, that payers usually frown upon this process. The more information you can get from your physician to help you choose more specific diagnoses, the better.
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
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