Urology Coding Alert

October 1 is right around the corner, and that means you need to get your diagnosis coding up to date. The latest round of deletions, additions and revisions takes effect soon and you won't have a grace period to fall back on. Now's the time to get a handle on the urology diagnostic changes.

Get the details: The final addendum with complete information on changes to the ICD-9 diagnoses is posted on CDC's webpage at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/icd9.htm.

ICD-9 2009 deletes 599.7 (Hematuria), which includes "Hematuria (benign), (essential)," as expected. After Oct. 1, you'll receive invalid diagnosis code denials if you continue to use 599.7. Instead, you should choose from three new, more specific ICD-9 codes:

"I think it's a great change to see a little specificity to the hematuria code," says Laura Cwiklinski, office manager at Urology Partners Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio. "Our practice has always deciphered whether the patient had microscopic or gross hematuria. It helped to determine the level of urgency in getting the patient in for an appointment or the level of severity if an ER call or consult is called from the hospital."

Coding benefits: Hematuria coding specificity helps in many additional ways, Cwiklinski says. "Being able to code to the specific condition truly supports the level of decision making," she explains. "This definitely will have a positive effect for urology coders, clinical [personnel], and secretaries."

More confirmed changes: You should take note of these other additions, revisions and deletions that take effect Oct. 1, 2008:

• New code V88.03 -- Acquired absence of cervix with remaining uterus.