When coding a patient with DM and peripheral angiopathy, peripheral vascular disease or peripheral arterial disease, assume a link between the two conditions unless the provider has linked the peripheral angiopathy to another underlying condition. Because atherosclerosis is a speciic type of peripheral angiopathy use an additional code from I70.2- through I70.7- if the angiopathy is further… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – June 2018
Spinal Fusion vs. Spinal Stabilization The First Q 2018 (P. 22) Coding Clinic provided clarification that stated spinal fusion procedures without bone graft cannot be coded to the root operation “Fusion”. The rationale for this advice is that while the root operation of “fusion” does not require the use of bone graft, the spinal fusion… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – May 2018
When coding a patient with DM and peripheral angiopathy, peripheral vascular disease or peripheral arterial disease assume a link between the two conditions unless the provider has linked the peripheral angiopathy to another underlying condition. Because atherosclerosis is a specific type of peripheral angiopathy use an additional code from I70.2- thru I70.7- if the angiopathy… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – April 2018
Scenario: During a screening colonoscopy, a rectal polyp was found and removed via hot snare. The pathological findings revealed “hyperplastic polyp with focal adenomatous changes.” What code is assigned for the polyp? Should code K62.1, Rectal polyp, or code D12.8, Benign neoplasm of rectum, be assigned for a hyperplastic rectal polyp with focal adenomatous changes? Answer:… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – March 2018
Hemodialysis Duration Three new duration values were added to code table 5A1, Physiological Systems, Performance, to capture the duration and continuity of hemodialysis procedures: 7 Intermittent – Less than 6 hours per day 8 Prolonged Intermittent – 6 – 18 hours per day 9 Continuous – Greater than 18 hours per day These new values… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – February 2018
October 1st brought over 3,500 new codes, almost 2,000 code revisions and 600 code deletions. As a result most training for the code updates focused on new and revised codes. However, there were some important deletions that will facilitate more accurate coding and reporting for spinal fusions. Most coding errors occur when assigning the device… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – January 2018
Adult and Child Exams ICD-10-CM Guideline I.C.21.13) Routine and administrative examinations The Z codes allow for the description of encounters for routine examinations, such as, a general check-up, or, examinations for administrative purposes, such as, a pre-employment physical. The codes are not to be used if the examination is for diagnosis of a suspected… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – December 2017
Total Hysterectomies Written by: Natalie Sartori, Corporate Trainer The October 1st updates included more than 3,500 new ICD-10-PCS codes. The intent and impact of many of the new codes was clearly apparent while others were less obvious. One example of this is the addition of qualifier “L Supracervical” applicable to the body part Uterus on table… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – November 2017
New MI Codes: The ICD-10-CM updates for October 1st brought three new MI codes: Code Description CC/MCC I21.9 Acute myocardial infarction, unspecified MCC I21.A1 Myocardial infarction type 2 MCC I21.A9 Other myocardial infarction type MCC New guidelines have been published to provide guidance on how to apply the new MI codes and existing guidelines revised for… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – October 2017
The ICD-10-PCS code changes for 10/1/2017 contain over 3,500 new codes. These new codes focus on correcting deficiencies in providing specific options for various character values in a variety of procedures. Many of the new codes will invalidate and nullify previous Coding Clinic advice for specific code assignment when the exact character value was not… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – September 2017