Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Question: I heard that we couldn't use the diagnosis code for novel H1N1 until some future date. What is the code, and when can we use it?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: As of Oct. 1, 2009, you could use 488.1 (Influenza due to identified novel H1N1 influenza virus) for diagnosed H1N1 cases.

Also on Oct. 1, ICD-9 changed the 488 category definition from "Influenza due to identified avian influenza virus" to a broader definition: "Influenza due to certain identified influenza viruses.

" Without a firm H1N1 diagnosis, you should stick to 487.x (Influenza).

-- Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were prepared with the assistance of R.M. Stainton Jr., MD, president of Doctors' Anatomic Pathology Services in Jonesboro, Ark.