Urology Coding Alert

Question: I've been told that if the treating physician orders a test based on a sign or symptom, we should code the final diagnosis or findings if available instead of the symptom. Where can I locate these guidelines to share with other coders in my office?Ohio MemberAnswer: You're exactly right: Code the final diagnosis or results of the test if available rather than the symptom that led to the performance of the test. You'll find this rule supported by the ICD-9-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, Section I.B.6: "Codes that describe symptoms and signs, as opposed to diagnoses, are acceptable for reporting purposes when a related definitive diagnosis has not been established (confirmed) by the provider."Access the guidelines for ICD-9 2012 online at www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/icd9/icd9cm_guidelines_2011.pdf. Although many ICD-9 manuals include a copy of the official guidelines, the manuals typically include the previous year's guidelines because of publishing deadlines. Using the [...]