Include hematological findings to bolster claims for services. When pulmonologist diagnoses a patient with Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS, 517.3), you will reap the best benefits if you not only know how to code the signs and symptoms but also such [...]
Question: Our patient fell in a pool three weeks ago. She hit her shin on the pool deck resulting in a hematoma and subsequent infection to her leg. She was put on antibiotics to treat the infection. X-rays and a [...]
Avoid these ICD-9 codes when associated with compartment syndrome. Reread the multi-trauma example on page 69. This time, highlight the diagnoses you see, and connect them to your CPT codes. Then compare with our experts advice. Sort Out Your ICD-9 [...]
Don't leave out vital details -- fourth and fifth digits are essential. To accurately code diagnoses for patients with burn injuries, you need to know whether the patient had any third-degree burns. You also need to know when to combine [...]
Question: What is the difference between traumatic and non-traumatic compartment syndrome? Georgia Subscriber Answer: The ICD-9 manual indicates traumatic compartment syndrome is the "compression of nerves and blood vessels within an enclosed space due to previous trauma, which leads to [...]
Signs and symptoms may sometimes be your best -- or only -- choice Choosing the right CPT procedure code is the first step to ensure your physician gets paid for the work she does, but if you fail to attach [...]
Caution: These codes have no grace period, so you should update your coding now With new ICD9 Codes available in October, your diagnoses can more accurately support your reimbursement -- if you learn how to use the new codes. CMS [...]
Unless otherwise indicated, reader questions were answered by Lisa Selman-Holman, JD, BSN, RN, CHCE, HCS-D, COS-C, consultant and principal of Selman-Holman & Associates in Denton, TX. Determine Focus Of Care For CABG Patient Question: We have a patient who had [...]
Question: I have heard that there will be some new ICD9 codes that may impact my physical medicine and rehab practice’s coding. What are they? Montana Subscriber Answer: You will be able to stop using “unspecified” diagnosis codes for several [...]
Remember: You need to incorporate these codes without a grace period Emergency department coders and physicians will have to get used to some new diagnosis codes this fall -- the 2007 version of ICD-9 features over 200 added codes to [...]
