september 2008

CODING TIP!

ICD-9 Update Effective October 1, 2008

Sitting in the office with the radio on, a song is reminding me of the fact that “we are dealing with the changes.” So here’s a friendly reminder that we are only 3 weeks away from the new ICD-9 codes going into effect on October 1st. Keep in mind that CMS no longer allows a grace period for implementation of the New, Revised, or Deleted codes. To be ready for the changes new books should already have been ordered and contact should have been made with vendor(s) to update your computer software. There are many interesting codes that we will delve into with next month’s Webinar and newsletter but for now let’s discuss some of the new diagnosis codes we see on a regular basis in the ASC setting. Plantar warts have been given there own specific code of 078.12 taking it out the other specified viral warts category. The 611.8 code has also undergone a change with a 5th digit subclassification that now identifies ptosis of breast as 611.81, hyperplasia of breast as 611.82 and capsular contracture of breast implant as 611.83.