Insights & Education

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

Scenario: A 64-year-old patient with new onset ascites presents for abdominal paracentesis. An ultrasound guided diagnostic and therapeutic paracentesis are both performed via a catheter. Is it appropriate to report two procedure codes for the diagnostic and therapeutic paracentesis? Answer: 0W9G3ZZ – Drainage of peritoneal cavity, percutaneous approach, for the diagnostic and therapeutic paracentesis Rationale:… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – August 2017

Fasciotomy for Compartment Syndrome Scenario: Postoperative diagnosis: status post polytrauma left lower extremity status post motorcycle accident with elevated compartment pressure for the lateral as well as the medial compartments. Procedure: The compartment pressures of the patient’s four compartments were measured. For the anterior and lateral compartments the measurement was 32, for the posterior compartment… Read More »Coding Tip of the Month – July 2017