Cancer is the second most common form of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. To accurately report CPT and ICD-10-CM codes for skin and breast cancer, coders need a thorough understanding of symptoms of malignancies and treatments used to prevent them from spreading. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is a chronic medical condition affecting millions of women between the ages of 20 and 45. Lori-Lynne Webb CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, ICD-10-CM/PCS , reviews symptoms of the condition and reporting using CPT and ICD-10-CM codes.
Every year, more than 30 million people in the United States are diagnosed with sinusitis, otherwise known as a sinus infection. Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA, reviews signs and symptoms of sinusitis and CPT coding for procedures used to treat the infection.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), it is estimated that more than half a million people in the U.S. have Crohn’s disease. For unknown reasons, the disease has become more widespread in both the U.S. and other parts of the world.
One in 12 adults suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence, and more than half of adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking. Adrienne Commeree, CPC, CPMA, CCS, CEMC, CPIP, outlines ICD-10-CM rules for substance use, abuse, and dependence, and diagnosis coding for alcohol-related conditions.
Coding for hydration and chemotherapy administration can be a daunting task for both beginner and experienced coders, who may not understand the hierarchy rules and gray areas in the CPT guidelines. Review correct coding for these services and how they fit into the hierarchy. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
It’s estimated that more than half a million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA , outlines symptoms and treatments for Crohn’s disease, as well as ICD-10-CM coding for the condition and associated complications.
Yvette M. DeVay, MHA, CPC, CPMA, CIC, CPC-I , reviews the anatomy of the brain and details treatments and surgeries associated with the brain and how to report them in ICD-10-CM/PCS.
Stress urinary incontinence is a common problem induced by minor physical stressors such as laughing, coughing, or sneezing. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC , writes about CPT coding for procedures such as sling operations and laparoscopies, used to treat urinary stress incontinence.
Even experienced coding professionals find injection and infusion coding confusing because CPT guidelines for these services differ from the guidelines for most other services. Review the drug administration hierarchy and guidelines for reporting therapeutic, prophylactic, and diagnostic injections and infusions. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and plays a vital role in protecting the body from injury and illness. This article reviews integumentary anatomy and provides guidance to aid in accurate ICD-10-CM and CPT code assignment for complex integumentary diagnoses and procedures. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Drug abuse is a serious public health issue that affects millions of Americans. Familiarize yourself with diagnosis reporting for substance use disorders to ensure that ICD-10-CM-dependent administrative data accurately captures the social consequences of substance abuse. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
A recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that almost 70% of Americans are considered overweight or obese. This epidemic costs American healthcare systems approximately $190 billion per year in treatment of weight-related conditions.
Approximately 2%-3% of children between the ages of 6 and 12, and 6%-8% of adolescents in the U.S. may have serious depression. Debbie Jones, CPC, CCA details common symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescence and provides advice for diagnostic coding of these conditions.
Updates to the 2018 CPT Manual particularly effect coding for cardiovascular and laboratory procedures. Stay-up-to-date with these changes and take time to understand complex procedures to prevent interruptions to claims processing. Note : To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Each year, more than 2,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma— an aggressive and deadly type of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Debbie Jones CPC, CCA , writes about different types of mesothelioma and how they should be reported in ICD-10-CM.
Coding for respiratory conditions can be challenging, given the structural complexity of the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Refresh your knowledge of respiratory anatomy to aid in the accurate reporting of common respiratory diagnoses such as emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
November, a month associated with the pleasure of eating, is also Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. In this article, Yvette M DeVay, MHA, CPC, CPMA, CIC, CPC-I, describes signs and symptoms of stomach cancer, and outlines best practices when assigning diagnostic and procedural codes for this disease.
Review vascular anatomy and terminology in order to aid in accurately assign codes for interventional radiology procedures such as angioplasties, atherectomies, and lower extremity revascularizations. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Ovarian cysts may develop at any point in a woman's life and frequently occur with other medical diseases. In this article, Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, details best practices when assigning ICD-10-CM/CPT codes for ovarian cyst diagnoses and procedures.
In order to accurately code for complex diseases and procedures of the brain, spinal cord, and sense organs, coders need a basic understanding of nervous system functionality. This article provides detailed information on nervous system anatomy and terminology, common brain and nervous system disorders, and recently introduced 2018 ICD-10-CM codes related to nervous system conditions.
Whether big or small, crooked or straight, the nose is a vital component of the human respiratory system. There will be extra focus on nasal anatomy in 2018, as the CPT® codes for nasal endoscopies were revised. Brush up on nasal anatomy to prepare for reporting these new codes. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart arrhythmia in the U.S. Peggy Blue, MPH, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CEMC, writes about common symptoms and treatments as well as proper ICD-10-CM coding for the condition.
The words “endometriosis” and “endometrioma” look similar, but as Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, writes, these conditions vary greatly in terms of physiology and coding.
The urinary system might not be one of the body systems people are most eager to discuss, but learning the anatomy of the urinary system is key in coding certain procedures, especially in the surgical and interventional radiology specialties. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
July is National Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. Yvette DeVay, MHA, CPC, CIC, CPC-I, explains the differences between the many different types of juvenile arthritis in order to help coders report the disease correctly.
In ICD-10-CM, defining, diagnosing, and documenting the various forms of altered mental status and their underlying causes remains an ongoing challenge for physicians and their facilities, according to James S. Kennedy, MD, CCS, CDIP .
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is encouraging providers to decrease the number of cesarean section deliveries. According to Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, COBGC, CHDA, this means coders should brush up on their knowledge of how to code fetal intervention procedures for babies who are in a breech position.
James S. Kennedy, MD, CCS, CDIP , writes that if a payer has criteria that differs from that of the provider or the facility, Recovery Auditors can deny ICD-10-CM/PCS codes they deem not to fit these criteria. Kennedy gives solutions for coding compliance for conditions such as sepsis, coma, and encephalopathy.
Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Awareness Week began on Mother’s Day and aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of substance abuse during pregnancy. In honor of this awareness week, Yvette DeVay, MHA, CPC, CIC, CPC-I , discusses fetal alcohol syndrome disorders and ICD-10-CM coding for the condition.
April marks sexually transmitted infections month, and Peggy S. Blue, MPH, CPC, CCS-P, CEMC , gets in the spirit by breaking down the staging, diagnosis, and treatment of syphilis before examining how to code the disease in ICD-10-CM. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
A benefit of the switch to ICD-10-CM is the ability to be as specific as possible about a patient’s condition, but the downside of this is that it can make coding fractures time-consuming and confusing. Knowledge of bone anatomy and how fracture codes work is therefore an invaluable asset in fracture coding.
Glands located throughout the body are responsible producing hormones and releasing chemicals into the bloodstream as part of the endocrine system. These glands help maintain many important purposes of the body, including metabolism, growth, and reproductive functions. Note: To access this free article, make sure you first register here if you do not have a paid subscription.
The human eye may be small, but it’s one of the most complex organ systems in the body. Review the anatomy of the eye and how to code for conditions affecting the system, including new details for 2017.
The 2017 ICD-10-CM updates included a significant number of additions to digestive system diagnoses, especially codes for pancreatitis and intestinal infections. These codes are largely focused in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and a review of the anatomy of this body system could help improve accurate documentation interpretation and code selection.
The 2017 ICD-10-CM updates included a significant number of additions to digestive system diagnoses, especially codes for pancreatitis and intestinal infections. These codes are largely focused in the lower gastrointestinal tract, and a review of the anatomy of this body system could help improve accurate documentation interpretation and code selection.
Review the bones of the pelvic girdle, along with the differences in the bones between genders, and ICD-10-CM coding conventions to properly code fractures of the pelvis.
Many coders may know that the human body contains 206 bones, but they may not realize that more than 10% of them are in the cranium. In addition to reviewing skull anatomy, examine common ICD-10-CM codes for skull conditions.
The shoulder girdle has the widest and most varied range of motion of any joint in the human body. That also makes it one of the most unstable. Read about the anatomy of the shoulder and which coding options exist for procedures of the shoulder.
Coders have many more options to report diagnoses of the foot in ICD-10-CM, with the ability to include laterality, location, and other details related to the injury. Review the bones of the feet and tips for additional documentation details to note when choosing codes for foot fractures.
The complex anatomy of the arm, wrist, and hand can make coding for procedures on them challenging. Review the bones of the arm and common codes used to report fractures and dislocations.
Providers frequently need to treat fractures in the ED, so coders need to be aware of the types of fractures and how to report them using CPT codes. Review types of fractures, treatment, and coding tips for reporting fractures in the ED.
Since the physician doesn't need to use a specific root operation term in documentation, coders should not rely solely on the term the physician uses. Coders need to know the definitions and the nuances of the root operations, especially those involving a device.
Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, COC, CPC-I, reviews anatomic details related to hernias and how to use operative report details to report the appropriate procedure codes for hernia surgeries.
Joel Moorhead, MD, PhD, CPC, writes about details for spinal conditions for coders to consider when choosing the most accurate ICD-10 codes for diagnoses and procedures.
Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC, reviewsCPT® coding for interrupted pregnancies, while also highlighting changes coders can expect for related diagnoses in ICD-10-CM.
Editor's note: With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, we will provide occasional articles about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month's article addresses the anatomy of the urinary system.
Since portions of the reproductive system use some of the same structures as the urinary system, including the urethra, codes for conditions involving both male and female reproductive systems appear in Chapter 14 of ICD-10-CM, Diseases of the Genitourinary System.
The switch to ICD-10-CM won't bring many changes in the codes for reporting genital prolapse, but understanding the nuances of the diagnoses is key for choosing the correct code. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, CDIP, COBGC, highlights terms to look for in documentation and provides a sample operative report to test your knowledge.
Blood tests are a common diagnostic tool for providers trying to determine a patient's condition. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I, reviews the components of blood, detailing key terms and conditions coders should know to prepare for ICD-10-CM.
The anatomical definition of a body part may not be the same as the ICD-10-PCS identification of a body part. Jennifer Avery, CCS, CPC-H, CPC, CPC-I, Nena Scott, MSEd, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, and Gretchen Young-Charles, RHIA, explain the guidelines for selecting the appropriate body part and how body parts can affect root operation selection.
Editor's note: With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, we will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month's column addresses the anatomy of the thoracic cage.
With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. Review the anatomy of the thoracic cage and coding concepts in ICD-10-CM related to coding diagnoses of this region.
Coding for endovascular revascularization requires following a unique hierarchy and specific guidelines. Caren J. Swartz, CPC-I, CPC-H, CPMA, CPB , and Denise Williams, RN, CPC-H , look at the anatomy of the lower body and the necessary documentation to report these services.
While coders have two options to report patella fractures in ICD-9-CM, they will find more than 400 options in ICD-10-CM. Review the anatomy of the lower leg and ankle, as well as ICD-10-CM coding concepts, to learn how to choose the most accurate ICD-10-CM code.
The codes for reporting pelvic fractures in ICD-10-CM have expanded, due to added specificity and classification systems that may be new to coders. Review the anatomy of the pelvis to prepare for coding pelvic fractures in ICD-10-CM.
Coders have only two options for reporting fractures of the patella in ICD-9-CM, closed (822.0) and open (822.1). In ICD-10-CM, that number will jump to more than 400. Many of these options are the result of separate codes to denote laterality (right or left) in ICD-10-CM. However, the code set also includes options for specific types of fractures, increasing the importance of clear and accurate provider documentation.
Injuries to the elbow and forearm are common as a result of many everyday activities, and ICD-10-CM allows more specificity for reporting these conditions. Review the anatomy of the elbow joint and forearm to prepare for ICD-10-CM.
Coders will find many more options for fractures in ICD-10-CM. Review the anatomy of the foot and the specificity providers will need to document to code accurately with the new code set.
Go to your local bookstore, pick up a copy of Gray’s Anatomy (the book, not the television show), and flip though the illustrations. Alternately, you can Google “Gray’s anatomy illustrations.” They...
Editor's note: With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, we will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month's column addresses the anatomy of the feet.
The increased specificity required for ICD-10 coding requires a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology for coders. Review the anatomy of the kidney, as well as the essential coding concepts to properly report kidney conditions in ICD-10-CM.
Reporting codes for use, abuse, and dependence isn’t completely new for ICD-10-CM. Coders can report them in ICD-9-CM. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, MAOM/HSM, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I , AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, reviews the meaning of use, abuse, and dependence and how to code these conditions.
The ears--more formally, the auditory system--have their own chapter in ICD-10-CM, no longer relegated to the end of the neurology codes. Codes in Chapter 8, Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process (H60-H95), are located between the chapters for the optical system and the circulatory system.
Editor's note: With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, we will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month's column addresses the anatomy of the thigh.
Coders will have many more options to report wrist and hand injuries in ICD-10-CM, with codes for individual fingers, wrist bones, and joints, as well as laterality. Review the anatomy of the wrists and hands in order to take advantage of the specificity available in ICD-10-CM.
The auditory system has its own code category in ICD-10-CM because of the number of new codes and specificity available. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I , reviews ear anatomy and how to report newly introduced diseases and conditions.
Coders are aware that ICD-10-CM will allow much more specificity than ICD-9-CM, and that is very evident in the section covering injuries to the wrist, hand, and fingers (S60–S69).
The added specificity of ICD-10 may require coders to learn more about disease processes and terminology in order to code accurately. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, reviews some medical terms coders should know and steps to take to improve communication between providers and coders.
Editor's note: With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, we will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation.
ICD-10-CM codes may look unfamiliar, but many concepts are the same as those in ICD-9-CM, with a few notable changes. Shannon E. McCall, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-I, CEMC, CCDS, and Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CGSC, COBGC, CPEDC, CENTC , look at some of the new conventions and guidelines for ICD-10-CM.
With some major changes in look and form-but generally adhering to existing guidelines-coding for neoplasms serves as a microcosm of the changes providers will face when the transition to ICD-10-CM occurs October 1, 2014.
Coding may not be brain surgery, but understanding brain anatomy can greatly help coders when reporting head injuries or disorders. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I, reviews some major components of brain anatomy and the impact of ICD-10-CM on coding for some common diagnoses.
Anesthesia coding in some ways is similar to evaluation and management coding—only easier. Chandra Stephenson, CPC, CPC-H, CPMA, CPC-I, CANPC, CEMC, CFPC, CGSC, CIMC, COSC, explained the 10 steps to coding anesthesia during the AAPC National Conference in Orlando, Fla., April 14-17.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31% of all American adults have high blood pressure, so odds are coders see the condition documented often. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I, AHIMA-Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer , compares coding for hypertension in ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM.
Genetic screening is often used to detect abnormal genes or possible fetal anomalies during antepartum care. Lori-Lynne A. Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP, CHDA, COBGC, reviews some of the most common genetic tests and what diagnosis codes to report.
With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, JustCoding will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month’s column addresses the anatomy of the shoulder.
By now, you probably know that ICD-10-PCS codes contain seven alpha-numeric characters. Each character represents a specific piece of information and those meanings can vary by section. In the...
Physicians often use the acronyms IBS (which should indicate irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD (which should indicate inflammatory bowel disease) interchangeably even though they represent completely different conditions with different treatment and prognoses.
With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, we will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month’s column addresses the anatomy of the eye.
In coding, sometimes it really is brain surgery and coders need a strong understanding of the anatomy of the skull and brain in order to correctly report diagnoses and procedures. Cynthia Stewart, CPC, CPMA, CPC-H, CPC-I, discusses the anatomy of the brain and skull and guides coders through some brain surgery procedures.
With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, we will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month’s column addresses the anatomy of the skull.
With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, we will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. Shelley C. Safian, PhD, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I, AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, takes coders on a trip through the digestive system.
When a physician determines the patient has a coronary artery blockage, the physician can choose from several options for treating the patient, depending on exactly what is wrong. John F. Seccombe, MD, and Betty Johnson, CPC, CPC-I, CPC-H, CPCD, CCS-P, PCS, CCP, CIC, RMC, discuss invasive and non-invasive treatments, as well as the heart’s anatomy.
The Bishop’s Score is primarily a scoring system to assess the viability and/or success of an induction of labor, odds of a spontaneous pre-term delivery, or whether a cesarean section should be considered instead of a vaginal delivery. Lori-Lynne Webb, CPC, CCS-P, CCP , explains how physicians tally the Bishop’s Score and what coders should look for in the documentation.
Editor’s note: To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition to ICD-10-CM, we will provide occasional articles about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. This month’s column addresses digestive system.
The respiratory system, responsible for inspiration (carrying oxygen into the body) and expiration (the expulsion of carbon dioxide), is composed of two tracts: the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract.
With the increased specificity required for ICD-10-CM coding, coders need a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. To help coders prepare for the upcoming transition, JustCoding will provide an occasional article about specific anatomical locations and body parts as part of a larger series for ICD-10-CM preparation. In this month’s column, Shelley C. Safian, PhD, CCS-P, CPC-H, CPC-I, addresses the anatomy of the respiratory system.
I have heard and read many discussions that coders will need to get in-depth education on anatomy and physiology (A&P) and pathophysiology before we flip the switch to ICD-10. The more I thought...
I have always thought that ICD-9 procedure codes were very non-specific and that it is no wonder that inpatient coders don’t like CPT coding. However after looking at what is going to happen with ICD...
Coders’ clinical knowledge is going to be more critical than ever before. Your ability to glean information from physician documentation and translate these notes into meaningful codes in ICD-10 is...