As the October 1, 2013 ICD-10 deadline approaches, it's very important that you have a sound ICD-10 coding know how. If you are an otolaryngology coder, here are some ICD-10 guidelines that'll stand you in good stead.
Obstructive sleep apnea: Snoring, restless sleep, etc are manifestations of sleep-disordered breathing. The main disorders that may need surgical intervention are snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In obstructive sleep apnea, pauses in breathing (more than 10 seconds at a time) take place because the airway becomes narrowed, blocked or floppy. This disorder may differ in severity and is normally associated with other physiologic problems.
Ways to diagnose OSA? An otolaryngologist will provide a thorough examination of the nose, mouth, throat, palate, and neck, many a time using a fiberoptic scope. Under ICD-9-CM code set, if the patient was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you would go for 327.23 (obstructive sleep apnea –adult – pediatric).
Transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 codes : However, after the transition to ICD-10 on October 1, 2013, you would not report 327.23 for OSA as 327.23 becomes G47.33. This change will offer no difference; as a matter of fact, the descriptor of the new code is a carbon copy depiction of the previous code set's 327.23.
Documentation: While diagnosing a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea, a physician may have the patient fill out a questionnaire to get information on wake-sleep patterns. Blood tests may also be ordered to rule out other conditions. If the physician suspects a sleep disorder, the patient would most probably undergo a polysomnography to record breathing and brain and muscle during sleep. Depending on the specific type of disorder, treatment will be provided.
No comments:
Post a Comment