ICD-9 Coding: Boost Your Upper Body ICD-9 Choices

Read on for 2012 ICD-9 updates for chest and shoulder conditions and more.

ICD-9 2012 changes went into effect on October 1 this year. If you're still not up to speed on these code changes, here's an opportunity to do so.

When it comes to Pneumothorax coding, you'll have to shift to 512.89. Even if you normally find yourself reporting the code for 'not otherwise specified' (NOS) pneumothorax, you will see a change as to how you should code.

Previously, under ICD 9 codes 2011, you used to report an acute, chronic, or NOS pneumothorax with 512.8, however ICD-9 2012 revises 512.8 and turns into a range of codes. To put it in other words, there's a new range of five-digit 512.8x codes; as such 512.8 is no longer valid.

These codes 512.81-512.82 specify 'spontaneous' and differ based on primary and secondary.

This time ICD-9 splits and provides you a new SPN code. See to it that you highlight this change in your coding references also: Under ICD-9 2012, 793.1 is not a valid code anymore. The new code set adds required fifth digits to 793.1 for two new codes: 793.11 (Solitary pulmonary nodule) and 793.19 (Other nonspecific abnormal finding of lung field).

This change brings forth more specific reporting of a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). A patient may have more than one SPN present and each may be in a distinct anatomic area.

Notice this difference: ICD-9 Codes 2011 covered an index entry for "Nodule(s), nodular; lung, solitary, which pointed to 518.89; however the new ICD 9 code set revises the index.

Apart from pulmonary revisions, you also need to take note of 726.13. As per the diagnosis Agenda, a partial tear refers to rotator cuff tendon damage in which the tear does not go completely through the tendons. Instead if documentation shows a complete tear, you should go for 727.61.