Radiology Coding Alert

Question: We're going to start providing ultrasounds to assess pressure ulcers. How do I choose an ICD-9 code for these services?

Kansas Subscriber

Answer: You'll need to report a code for both the anatomic location and the stage of the pressure ulcer.

Example: For a lower back pressure ulcer, you should report 707.03 (Pressure ulcer; lower back) and an additional code from 707.20-707.25 (Pressure ulcer stages ...) to identify the pressure ulcer stage:

• 707.20 -- Pressure ulcer, unspecified stage

• 707.21 -- Pressure ulcer stage I

• 707.22 -- Pressure ulcer stage II

• 707.23 -- Pressure ulcer stage III

• 707.24 -- Pressure ulcer stage IV

• 707.25 -- Pressure ulcer, unstageable.

Prepare now: You'll need additional anatomic details when you start using ICD-10 in 2013. For instance, for the same lower back pressure ulcer as in the example above, choosing the proper ICD-10 code will depend on whether the ulcer is on the left or right. And note that rather than using two codes as you do under ICD-9, a single ICD-10 code will represent both the anatomic location and the stage, such as L89.131 (Pressure ulcer of right lower back, stage I) or L89.141 (Pressure ulcer of left lower back, stage I).

You can learn more about ICD-10 implementation at www.cms.hhs.gov/icd10/.