As we all know, ICD-9 becomes ICD-10 in a couple of years' time (2013). When that happens, you will have to shift to coding either K21.0 (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis) or K21.9 (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with no esophagitis) for the diagnosis.
ICD difference: When ICD-10 goes into effect on October 1, 2013, 530.81 will expand into two codes K21.0 and K21.9. The ICD-10 code specifically defines gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and indicates the presence or nonpresence of esophagitis.
Physician documentation: Notice the difference between K21.0 and K21.9, which depends on whether the test revealed that the patient has esophagitis. You should be on the lookout for any mention of this in the notes of your physician.
But then, remember that esophagitis is a visible or histologic finding that cannot be concluded without an endoscopic exam. You might be able to select other appropriate codes from ICD-10 for patients that have had endoscopy.
Tips for medical coders: In ICD-9 codes, GERD is coded 530.81, but in ICD-10 more details are called for. The user needs more information such as whether the GERD is with or without esophagitis.
ICD difference: When ICD-10 goes into effect on October 1, 2013, 530.81 will expand into two codes K21.0 and K21.9. The ICD-10 code specifically defines gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and indicates the presence or nonpresence of esophagitis.
Physician documentation: Notice the difference between K21.0 and K21.9, which depends on whether the test revealed that the patient has esophagitis. You should be on the lookout for any mention of this in the notes of your physician.
But then, remember that esophagitis is a visible or histologic finding that cannot be concluded without an endoscopic exam. You might be able to select other appropriate codes from ICD-10 for patients that have had endoscopy.
Tips for medical coders: In ICD-9 codes, GERD is coded 530.81, but in ICD-10 more details are called for. The user needs more information such as whether the GERD is with or without esophagitis.
No comments:
Post a Comment