ICD-9 codes 2012: A new Saddle Embolus Code Likely

Here's a refresher on some of the ICD-9 codes that you might have to use starting October 1.

ICD-9 2012 goes into effect on October 1 this year. As such, you need to be all geared up for the changes. Here are some proposed changes you need to be aware of.

Saddle embolus code: This time you may get to use a new saddle embolus code 415.13. For the uninitiated, a saddle embolus is where you have a very large blood clot that dislodges and then goes through the blood stream and lands in a big division of an artery.

NCHS proposes that the diagnosis gets its own code

This code came to the fore after National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) realized that there is no ICD-9 index entry pointing to a proper pulmonary saddle embolus choice. Presently, ICD-9 does link the term 'saddle embolus' to the aorta. If you look under 2011 code 444.0, you will see 'saddle embolus' in the inclusion list. However this year's ICD-9 code changes will take that connection a step further. You can anticipate 444.0 to expand to provide more spot on coding: 444.01 (Saddle embolus of abdominal aorta) and 444.09 (Other arterial embolism and thrombosis of abdominal aorta).

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Apart from this, ICD-9 2012 intends to add V12.55 to provide a unique code for this part of the patient's history. What's more, you can even expect ICD-9 2012 to expand 747.3 to a range of five-digit codes: 747.31, 747.32 and 747.39. 747.31, the first proposed code refers to coarctation and atresia, both of which currently fall under 747.3.

Apart from these, as a radiology coder, you also need to watch out for expansion of cystostomy complication coding options. The proposal expands 596.8 into a new range of five digit codes.

Also anticipate: To add to it all, 997.5 and 996.39 might also undergo changes.