On June 20, CMS released Program Memorandum AB-01-085, which lists the changes to ICD-9 Codes for 2003. Although Medicare will accept these codes beginning Oct. 1, carriers must still process claims using the old codes and definitions through Dec. 31. The code deletions were not particularly relevant to PM&R practices, but several additions should help physiatrists and therapists code more smoothly. The additions that will most affect PM&R practices follow:
