Pediatric Coding Alert

Our clip-and-post chart reveals upcoming pediatric diagnostic additions

Does your practice face denials when a mother presents with her asymptomatic child who was recently exposed to chicken pox? You can rest easy, thanks to the new edition of ICD-9.

ICD-9 now contains more than 20 "contact with or exposure to" codes, but nothing specific to varicella exposure. If you examine an asymptomatic child for varicella due to possible exposure, you have to submit the nonspecific code V01.7 (Contact with or exposure to communicable diseases; other viral diseases). When the new ICD9 Codes become effective on Oct. 1 (check payers'specific implementation dates), you'll be able to assign V01.71 (... varicella).

Besides adding V01.71 to your encounter form, make sure to update V72.3 (Special investigations and examinations; gynecological examination). This code will require a fifth digit of "1" as of Oct. 1.

Upcoming Pediatric Coding Alert issues will keep you abreast of V code additions and other ICD-9 2005 changes, including expert advice on how to implement useful new pediatric diagnostic codes. Here's a sneak peak at the new codes you can expect this fall.