W57.XXXA should be the appropriate code for a tick bite, but payers are not paying as a primary dx. Technically a tick is an arthropod and not an insect (because it has 8 legs and not 6.) For this reason, I have been hesitant to use a different code (such as the S codes for insect bite.) If rash is documented, I have listed that as the primary followed by the W57 code.
Any suggestions on what to do if 'Tick bite' is both the symptom and diagnosis - that is if rash or edema is not documented?
Thanks
Any suggestions on what to do if 'Tick bite' is both the symptom and diagnosis - that is if rash or edema is not documented?
Thanks