Primary Care Coding Alert
Fifth Digits Add Specificity to 173.x Skin Cancer Codes
Check these new options to help physicians pinpoint the type of diagnosis. When the updated version of ICD-9-CM goes into effect October 1, you'll have a few new options for reporting skin cancers in various locations. "Statistics show that skin cancer is a growing problem, and family physicians may often be the first point of contact for diagnosing skin cancers," says Kent J. Moore, manager of healthcare delivery and financing systems for the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in Leawood, Kan. "This diagnosis coding change is very relevant to family physicians." The extensions occur in code family 173.xx (Other malignant neoplasm of skin): The new fifth-digit options give more details regarding the type of neoplasm or carcinoma the physician diagnoses. The structure is consistent for each code, which makes your selection easier. Your new options for the fifth digit are: Caution: "Preparing for the new and revised ICD-9 code changes requires creating better documentation habits," says Kelly C. Loya, CHC, CPC-I, CPhT, managing consultant with Sinaiko Healthcare Consulting Inc. "Encourage physicians to document the type, specific location, and nature of the disease process when it is known." Watch for:
Primary Care Coding Alert
- Annual Visits:
Ensure Correct Modifier Reporting for EKG With Annual Visit, or Face Denials
Heads up: New Medicare stance steers you away from modifier 25. If your family physician [...] - ICD-9 2012:
Fifth Digits Add Specificity to 173.x Skin Cancer Codes
Check these new options to help physicians pinpoint the type of diagnosis. When the updated [...] - Modifier Review:
Ace Extremity Fracture Claims With These Modifier Strategies
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