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Say 'Goodbye' To These Invalid ICD-9 Codes

Published on Sat Oct 23, 2004 Print Friendly and PDF PDF

Correct cheat sheets or risk returned claims.

Heads up: If you're seeing coding for decubitus ulcers returned to provider, you're probably missing the fifth digit.

When the 2005 ICD-9 coding changes took effect Oct. 1, they included not only new and revised codes, but also deleted codes. For example, nine new five-digit decubitus ulcer codes replaced 707.0 (Decubitus ulcer).

Besides replacing coding books with the new 2005 version, agencies need to insist that clinicians revise any "cheat sheets" they use, warns coding expert Prinny Rose Abraham with Minneapolis-based HIQM Consulting. One way to do this is to choose one code that has changed and check that code on all coding materials. If you find the old code, you know you need to replace the outdated item, Abraham advises.

ICD-9 codes that are now invalid usually have been replaced by one or more new codes. Be sure your coding material no longer includes these codes:

  • 066.4 (West Nile fever)

  • 252.0 (Hyperparathyroidism)

  • 588.8 (Other specified disorder resulting from impaired renal function)

  • 618.8 (Other specified genital prolapse)

  • 621.3 (Endometrial cystic hyperplasia)

  • 622.1 (Dysplasia of cervix [uteri])

  • 707.0 (Decubitus ulcer)

  • V01.7 (Other viral diseases)

  • V46.1 (Respirator)

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