Primary Care Coding Alert

Question: Our software system has not yet been updated for the new ICD-9 codes that CMS issued in October. We will have a new system next month, but until then, will I be reimbursed for the old ICD-9 codes?

Virginia Subscriber

Answer: Medicare applies a 90-day grace period to the use of new ICD-9 codes that became effective Oct. 1. Carriers have been instructed to allow the use of old and new ICD-9 codes for claims with dates of service up to Dec. 31, 2002 as long as the claim is submitted before Jan. 1, 2003. You can continue to use the old codes until then.

For more information on the updated ICD-9 codes, see the September 2002 issue of Family Practice Coding Alert. To view rules on the grace period, go to the CMS program memorandum at http://cms.hhs.gov/manuals/pm_trans/B02063.pdf.