Pulmonology Coding Alert

You have two years left to prepare for the diagnosis coding shift.

When a patient presents to the office for a flu shot, you would generally report the ICD-9 V04.81 (Need for prophylactic vaccination and inoculation against certain viral diseases; influenza).

Come 2013 when ICD-9 transitions to ICD-10, the code will be classified under a more generalized description: Z23 (Encounter for immunization).

ICD difference: Z23's descriptor pertains to a more universal encounter for immunization. On the other hand, V04.81 describes a vaccination specifically for 'viral diseases' and 'influenza'.

Coder tips: You will report any immunization as Z23. Therefore, the procedure codes will be required to identify the types of immunizations administered by the physician.