Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Awareness Week began on Mother’s Day and aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of substance abuse during pregnancy. In honor of this awareness week, Yvette DeVay, MHA, CPC, CIC, CPC-I , discusses fetal alcohol syndrome disorders and ICD-10-CM coding for the condition.
April marks sexually transmitted infections month, and Peggy S. Blue, MPH, CPC, CCS-P, CEMC , gets in the spirit by breaking down the staging, diagnosis, and treatment of syphilis before examining how to code the disease in ICD-10-CM. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
A benefit of the switch to ICD-10-CM is the ability to be as specific as possible about a patient’s condition, but the downside of this is that it can make coding fractures time-consuming and confusing. Knowledge of bone anatomy and how fracture codes work is therefore an invaluable asset in fracture coding.
Glands located throughout the body are responsible producing hormones and releasing chemicals into the bloodstream as part of the endocrine system. These glands help maintain many important purposes of the body, including metabolism, growth, and reproductive functions. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
The human eye may be small, but it’s one of the most complex organ systems in the body. Review the anatomy of the eye and how to code for conditions affecting the system, including new details for 2017.
The 2017 ICD-10-CM updates included a significant number of additions to digestive system diagnoses, especially codes for pancreatitis and intestinal infections. These codes are largely focused in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and a review of the anatomy of this body system could help improve accurate documentation interpretation and code selection.
The 2017 ICD-10-CM updates included a significant number of additions to digestive system diagnoses, especially codes for pancreatitis and intestinal infections. These codes are largely focused in the lower gastrointestinal tract, and a review of the anatomy of this body system could help improve accurate documentation interpretation and code selection.
Review the bones of the pelvic girdle, along with the differences in the bones between genders, and ICD-10-CM coding conventions to properly code fractures of the pelvis.
Many coders may know that the human body contains 206 bones, but they may not realize that more than 10% of them are in the cranium. In addition to reviewing skull anatomy, examine common ICD-10-CM codes for skull conditions.
Coders have many more options to report diagnoses of the foot in ICD-10-CM, with the ability to include laterality, location, and other details related to the injury. Review the bones of the feet and tips for additional documentation details to note when choosing codes for foot fractures.
The shoulder girdle has the widest and most varied range of motion of any joint in the human body. That also makes it one of the most unstable. Read about the anatomy of the shoulder and which coding options exist for procedures of the shoulder.
The complex anatomy of the arm, wrist, and hand can make coding for procedures on them challenging. Review the bones of the arm and common codes used to report fractures and dislocations.
Providers frequently need to treat fractures in the ED, so coders need to be aware of the types of fractures and how to report them using CPT codes. Review types of fractures, treatment, and coding tips for reporting fractures in the ED.
Since the physician doesn't need to use a specific root operation term in documentation, coders should not rely solely on the term the physician uses. Coders need to know the definitions and the nuances of the root operations, especially those involving a device.
Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I, reviews anatomic details related to hernias and how to use operative report details to report the appropriate procedure codes for hernia surgeries.
Joel Moorhead, MD, PhD, CPC, writes about details for spinal conditions for coders to consider when choosing the most accurate ICD-10 codes for diagnoses and procedures.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC, reviewsCPT® coding for interrupted pregnancies, while also highlighting changes coders can expect for related diagnoses in ICD-10-CM.
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 occasional articles about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month's article addresses the anatomy of the urinary system.
Since portions of the reproductive system use some of the same structures as the urinary system, including the urethra, codes for conditions involving both male and female reproductive systems appear in Chapter 14 of ICD-10-CM, Diseases of the Genitourinary System.
The switch to ICD-10-CM won't bring many changes in the codes for reporting genital prolapse, but understanding the nuances of the diagnoses is key for choosing the correct code. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC, highlights terms to look for in documentation and provides a sample operative report to test your knowledge.
Blood tests are a common diagnostic tool for providers trying to determine a patient's condition. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I, reviews the components of blood, detailing key terms and conditions coders should know to prepare for ICD-10-CM.
The anatomical definition of a body part may not be the same as the ICD-10-PCS identification of a body part. Jennifer Avery, CCS, CPC-H, CPC, CPC-I, Nena Scott, MSEd, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, and Gretchen Young-Charles, RHIA, explain the guidelines for selecting the appropriate body part and how body parts can affect root operation selection.
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 thoracic cage.
With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. Review the anatomy of the thoracic cage and coding concepts in ICD-10-CM related to coding diagnoses of this region.
Coding for endovascular revascularization requires following a unique hierarchy and specific guidelines. Caren J. Swartz, CPC-I, CPC-H, CPMA, CPB , and Denise Williams, RN, CPC-H , look at the anatomy of the lower body and the necessary documentation to report these services.
While coders have two options to report patella fractures in ICD-9-CM, they will find more than 400 options in ICD-10-CM. Review the anatomy of the lower leg and ankle, as well as ICD-10-CM coding concepts, to learn how to choose the most accurate ICD-10-CM code.
The codes for reporting pelvic fractures in ICD-10-CM have expanded, due to added specificity and classification systems that may be new to coders. Review the anatomy of the pelvis to prepare for coding pelvic fractures in ICD-10-CM.
Coders have only two options for reporting fractures of the patella in ICD-9-CM, closed (822.0) and open (822.1). In ICD-10-CM, that number will jump to more than 400. Many of these options are the result of separate codes to denote laterality (right or left) in ICD-10-CM. However, the code set also includes options for specific types of fractures, increasing the importance of clear and accurate provider documentation.
Injuries to the elbow and forearm are common as a result of many everyday activities, and ICD-10-CM allows more specificity for reporting these conditions. Review the anatomy of the elbow joint and forearm to prepare for ICD-10-CM.
Coders will find many more options for fractures in ICD-10-CM. Review the anatomy of the foot and the specificity providers will need to document to code accurately with the new code set.
Go to your local bookstore, pick up a copy of Gray’s Anatomy (the book, not the television show), and flip though the illustrations. Alternately, you can Google “Gray’s anatomy illustrations.” They...
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 feet.
The increased specificity required for ICD-10 coding requires a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology for coders. Review the anatomy of the kidney, as well as the essential coding concepts to properly report kidney conditions in ICD-10-CM.
Reporting codes for use, abuse, and dependence isn’t completely new for ICD-10-CM. Coders can report them in ICD-9-CM. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, MAOM/HSM, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I , AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, reviews the meaning of use, abuse, and dependence and how to code these conditions.
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.
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.
The auditory system has its own code category in ICD-10-CM because of the number of new codes and specificity available. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I , reviews ear anatomy and how to report newly introduced diseases and conditions.
Coders will have many more options to report wrist and hand injuries in ICD-10-CM, with codes for individual fingers, wrist bones, and joints, as well as laterality. Review the anatomy of the wrists and hands in order to take advantage of the specificity available in ICD-10-CM.
Coders are aware that ICD-10-CM will allow much more specificity than ICD-9-CM, and that is very evident in the section covering injuries to the wrist, hand, and fingers (S60–S69).
The added specificity of ICD-10 may require coders to learn more about disease processes and terminology in order to code accurately. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, reviews some medical terms coders should know and steps to take to improve communication between providers and coders.
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.
ICD-10-CM codes may look unfamiliar, but many concepts are the same as those in ICD-9-CM, with a few notable changes. Shannon E. McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC, CCDS, and Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CGSC, COBGC, CPEDC, CENTC , look at some of the new conventions and guidelines for ICD-10-CM.
With some major changes in look and form-but generally adhering to existing guidelines-coding for neoplasms serves as a microcosm of the changes providers will face when the transition to ICD-10-CM occurs October 1, 2014.
Coding may not be brain surgery, but understanding brain anatomy can greatly help coders when reporting head injuries or disorders. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I, reviews some major components of brain anatomy and the impact of ICD-10-CM on coding for some common diagnoses.
Anesthesia coding in some ways is similar to evaluation and management coding—only easier. Chandra Stephenson, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CPC-I, CANPC, CEMC, CFPC, CGSC, CIMC, COSC, explained the 10 steps to coding anesthesia during the AAPC National Conference in Orlando, Fla., April 14-17.
