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 To put it in other words, there's a new range of five-digit 512.8x codes; as such 512.8 is no longer valid.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.

Sneak Peek at 2012 ICD 9 Code Changes for Urology Coders

ICD-9 2012 brings no urology-related revisions or deletions this time round.

The ICD-9 codes 2012 have just gone into effect on October 1 this year. Although your urology practice will not have to go through any ICD-9 revisions or deletions this time round, there are some new ICD-9 codes that you need to be well-versed with. Now you'll have more specific codes to use when a patient suffers from complications with a cystostomy or vaginal mesh.

ICD-9 changes for urology coders

Four new 596 codes: If you have been bogged down because you have to use non-specific inflammation and complication codes when a patient has a problem with cystostomy, there's a better choice in ICD-9 2012. Prior to this, coders in general have always had to use codes that were described as 'mechanical complications,' 'infection and inflammatory reaction,' or 'other complications.

Just-in way: You have these new codes now: 596.81, 596.82, and 596.83.

You will report 596.81 for a patient with an infection of the cystostomy stoma, inflammation of the stoma with or without an abscess formation, or for a granuloma within the stoma with or without an abscess formation or for a granuloma within the stoma. These scenarios represent inflammations or infections of the cystostomy for which you have a new code now.

You should use 596.82 when your urologist documents premature closure, stricture or stenosis of the cutaneous cystostomy stoma. These conditions represent mechanical complications of the cystostomy.

You should make use of just-in code 596.83 for complications such as persistent drainage, non-closure, prolapse of the mucosa, excoriation of the cystostomy site, bleeding, erosion, and the like. Often times after removal of a cystostomy tube, the site remains open with prolonged persistent drainage, non-closure, prolapse of the mucosa, excoriation of the cystostomy site, bleeding, erosion, and the like.

Two new codes to capture vaginal mesh complications

This time there are a couple of two new diagnoses related to implanted vaginal mesh in the ICD-9 2012 proposed codes: 629.31, 629.32.

Remember: There are no urology related revisions or deletions this time round.