Radiology Coding Alert

Start preparing now with this glimpse at ICD-9 vs. ICD-10.

ICD-9 2011 and ICD-10 2011 both have coding options for a malignant neoplasm of the main bronchus. Both indicate that the codes are appropriate for malignant neoplasms of the carina or hilus of lung.

What's different: ICD-9 2011 includes simply 162.2 (Malignant neoplasm of main bronchus).

ICD-10 2011, on the other hand, offers options specific to location:

• Unspecified: C34.00 -- Malignant neoplasm of unspecified main bronchus
• Right: C34.01 -- Malignant neoplasm of right main bronchus
• Left: C34.02 -- Malignant neoplasm of left main bronchus.

ICD-10 2011 also lists an instruction to "Use additional code to identify":

• Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22)
• Exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81)
• History of tobacco use (Z87.891)
• Occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31)
• Tobacco dependence (F17.-)
• Tobacco use (Z72.0).

Remember: When ICD-10 goes into effect on Oct. 1, 2013, you should apply the codes and official guidelines in effect at that time (or more specifically, always use the codes and guidelines effective for the relevant date of service). Learn more at www.cms.gov/ICD10/ and www.cdc.gov/nchs/icd/icd10cm.htm#10update.