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.
