Pulmonology Coding Alert

Quick fact: ICD-10 codes can be expanded to accommodate additions, should it be necessary.

Home sleep studies -- or polysomnography (PSG) -- may be used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea without the need for a laboratory stay. Other goals for the diagnosis include establishing the factors responsible for the apnea, and determining the most appropriate strategy for treatment.

Effective October 2013, ICD-9 327.23 (Obstructive sleep apnea [adult] [pediatric]) becomes G47.33 (Obstructive sleep apnea [adult] [pediatric]) in ICD-10.

ICD difference: The conversion to ICD-10 will offer no difference. In fact, G47.33's descriptor is a carbon copy of ICD-9's 327.23. Generally, however, the new classification system (ICD-10) aims to provide significant improvements through greater detailed information and the ability to expand in order to capture additional advancements in clinical medicine.

Coder tips: G47.33 is a word-for-word replacement. You would use this in the exact same manner as you would 327.23. The underlying theme hasn't changed, meaning that you should only report the code when OSA has been definitively diagnosed, otherwise you should continue to use signs/symptoms.