Radiology Coding Alert
D-Dimer Diagnosis
Question: A patient was evaluated for pulmonary embolism, on a CT chest with contrast. What is the diagnosis code for a positive D-dimer exam if there is no physician interpretation?
Wisconsin Subscriber
Answer: Most experts suggest the use of ICD-9 790.99 (Other nonspecific findings on examination of blood; other).
While some coders use 790.92 (Abnormal coagulation profile), a D-dimer test looks for the breakdown of clots, rather than coagulation.
The levels of dextro dimer fragments in the blood can alert the doctor to the presence of venous thromboembolism, which often includes deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus. There is now no official determination on the best code for this job.
Radiology Coding Alert
- Watch Out for the OIG if You Code Mammograms Incorrectly
A Florida radiology group agreed to pay $2.53 million after being charged with billing Medicare [...] - Learn This Strategy to Code CT Coronary Calcium Scoring
- Beware of This Hidden Documentation Trap
Standing orders for 3-D reconstruction can also get you into trouble If you're coding 76375 [...] - Use This Clip-and-Save Checklist for Unlisted-Procedure Codes
Following this careful approach can mean more accurate reimbursement If you've ever filed a claim [...] - Don't Get Distracted Coding a Stripped Fibrin Sheath
Our experts help you through the ins and outs of this coding conundrum Scenario: A [...] - You Be the Coder:
D-Dimer Diagnosis
Question: A patient was evaluated for pulmonary embolism, on a CT chest with contrast. What [...] - News You Can Use:
Prepare Your Front Lines for 2 Medicare Policy Changes
Proposals affect coding for diagnostic PET, therapeutic ultrasound
If your doctor uses PET to diagnose dementia [...] - Reader Questions:
Keep Up With Code Revisions
Question: For PICC line placements, our radiologist's report indicates direct sonographic guidance along with fluoroscopic [...] - Reader Questions:
Prevent Denials With These Modifiers
Question: I have been looking at examples showing how to code angiograms, and I noticed [...] - Reader Questions:
Temporary Radiologist? Append -Q6
Question: My radiology group is using a locum tenens to fill in at the hospital [...] - Reader Questions:
Don't Forget Your X-Ray 101
Question: I code for a family practice and need to know how to bill x-rays [...] - Carry Out ICD-9 Codes to the Most Specific Digit Possible
Relying on a 5th digit isn't always the key If you are submitting CPT Codes [...] - ICD-9 Coding Success Hinges On Communication
Doctor should always approve ICD-9 codes, experts say There's a right way and a wrong [...] - You Be the Expert:
Has ICD-9 Coding Lost Its Grace?
Question: Has CMS ended the 90-day grace period for getting used to new ICD-9 [...] - Reader Question:
ICD-9: You Should Claim Primary Reason as D1
Question: Should I first report the original diagnosis or the manifestation?
North Carolina Subscriber
Answer: You should [...]
