The ears--more formally, the auditory system--have their own chapter in ICD-10-CM, no longer relegated to the end of the neurology codes. Codes in Chapter 8, Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process (H60-H95), are located between the chapters for the optical system and the circulatory system.
The ICD-10 implementation delay has impacted training timelines for many providers. Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, CPEDC , talks about how this time can be used to improve physician documentation, easing the transition for both coders and providers.
Four ICD-10-PCS root operations involve procedures that put in, put back, or move some or all of a body part. Gerri Walk, RHIA, CCS, and Mark Dominesey, RN, BSN, MBA, CCDS, CDIP, CHTS-CP, highlight the differences among Reattachment, Reposition, Transfer, and Transplantation.
On the surface, you may think that transitioning from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM for reporting schizophrenia, schizoid personality, and bipolar disorders is a dramatic change. However, Shelley C. Safian, PhD, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I, reveals that with some minor adjustments, the change can be a smooth one.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is only covered for certain diagnoses after extensive prequalification. Gloria Miller, CPC, CPMA, reviews how HBO therapy can be used for wound care, as well as 2014 changes for wound care clinics.
Editor's note: With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, we will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month's column addresses the anatomy of the thigh.
Coders may struggle to differentiate between ICD-10-PCS root operations Excision and Resection. Nena Scott, MSEd, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, and Mark Dominesey, RN, BSN, MBA, CCDS, CDIP, illustrate the details that will help coders arrive at the correct root operation.
Even though ICD-10-CM respiratory changes are relatively minor, coders will still have to learn the new guidelines and review anatomy and physiology in order to report them accurately. Tara L. Bell, RN, MSN, CCM, AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, and Shelley C. Safian, PhD, MAOM/HSM, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I, CHA, AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, highlight the changes and new guidelines.
Not surprisingly, coders will have many more options to report how a patient was injured in ICD-10-CM. Betty Hovey, CPC, CPC-H, CPB, CPMA, CPC-I, CPCD , and Shannon E. McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC, CCDS , explain how the codes differ from ICD-9-CM E codes, when to report them, and why coders should not be too worried about the transition.
