Eli's Rehab Report
Memory Loss
Question: Is there a code for subjective memory loss without a confirmed cause, e.g., the patient does not have Alzheimer's disease? Our carrier rejected 780.9. Virginia Subscriber Answer: Your carrier is most likely rejecting 780.9 (Other general symptoms) because as of Oct. 1, 2002, it is using the 2003 ICD-9 codes, and 780.9 now requires a fifth digit. If you want to report the "Other general symptoms" diagnosis, you must use 780.99 or your claim will be rejected, because 780.9 is now considered a truncated code. Because 780.99 is so general, you may want to review the codes in the 310.1-310.9 range. These will offer your carrier a more specific diagnosis and should reduce denials. Code 310.1 (Organic personality syndrome) includes "mild memory disturbance" and "senility with mental changes of nonpsychotic severity," which appears to fit your patient's symptoms. If organic brain damage caused your patient's memory loss, report 310.9 (Unspecified nonpsychotic mental disorder following organic brain damage). You should code senility degeneration of the brain as 331.2. If you are unsure whether any of these codes applies to your patient, double-check with the physiatrist to select the most accurate code. You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Laureen Jandroep, OTR, CPC, CCS-P CPC-H, CCS, consultant and CPC trainer for A+ Medical Management and Education in Absecon, N.J.
Eli's Rehab Report
- CPT Unveils New Nerve Block Codes for 2003
CPT 2003 introduced four new somatic nerve block codes and five new alternative communication codes, [...] - You Be the Coder:
Occiput-Atlas Articulation
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - Report K0-K4 Modifier Series When Ordering Prosthetics
Physiatrists and therapists who order prosthetic limbs should append modifiers -K0 through -K4 to demonstrate [...] - Functional Level Determines Correct K0-K4 Modifier
Following are the complete descriptions of the functional classification system modifiers:
-K0 Lower-extremity prosthesis [...] - ICD-9 Coding Corner:
Specificity Is Key to Diagnosing, Treating Radiculopathy
Because diagnosing radiculopathy (722.0-722.2 and 729.2) can require more than one simple test, practices should [...] - Reader Questions:
EMG Can Be Billed Bilaterally
Question: The September 2002 issue stated that we could append modifier -59 (Distinct procedural service) [...] - Reader Questions:
Prevent Botox Wastage
Question: A coding consultant advised us to schedule our Botox patients close together to avoid [...] - Reader Questions:
99211 Is Not for Nurses Only
Question: We employ a physician assistant (PA) who performs all levels of E/M codes. We [...] - Reader Questions:
Memory Loss
Question: Is there a code for subjective memory loss without a confirmed cause, e.g., the [...] - News Brief:
Version of Incident-To Billing Now Allowed in Hospitals
Effective Oct. 25, 2002, CMS allows incident-to billing for hospital inpatient, outpatient and emergency department [...]
