ICD-10 Coding Alert

Cardiology Coding:
Narrow Down Myriad Options for Bradycardia
Hint: Code R00.1 includes sinus bradycardia. Bradycardia, like many other types of condit... Read more
Coding Deep Dive:
Distinguish ‘Adverse Effect’ From ‘Poisoning’
Hint: Context is key. Reporting the correct ICD-10-CM code to reflect drug toxicity can b... Read more
Diagnosis Spotlight:
Brush Up on RSV Coding During Fall and Winter Crunch
Know when to code infections due to RSV. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respirato... Read more
Reader Questions:
Reach Deeper on Specificity for Post-Traumatic Headache
Question: The provider diagnosed post-traumatic headache. Is G44.3 the correct ICD-1... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rely on Query for Ulcer Condition Specifics
Question: We have an op note that states “patient presents with sharp stomach pain.... Read more
Reader Questions:
Traverse Smoldering Myeloma Coding Like This
Question: I am trying to locate the correct ICD-10-CM code for smoldering multiple my... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Follow These Steps for Skull Crush Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffered from a crushing injury to ... Read more
Back to Basics:
Leave Your ‘With’ Guideline Misunderstandings Behind
Hint: Don't look for ‘with' in the alphabetic index. If there's one generalization peo... Read more
Diagnosis Focus:
Dive Into Documentation to Code Interstitial Cystitis
Don't forget the possibility that you may need to report additional codes. Interstitial... Read more
Specialty Spotlight:
Use These Tips for Coding Neoplasms Affecting Ear, Nose, and Throat
See how these 2 examples can help. Coding neoplasms of the ear, nose, and throat can pose... Read more
Reader Question:
Look to Anatomy When Coding Bronchial Blood Clot
Question: I'm stumped as to how to code this report. The patient presented for a ther... Read more
Reader Question:
Notice Yeast Infection Code Update
Question: I've been using B37.3 to report yeast infections, but the last claim I subm... Read more
Reader Question:
Determine Whether Brain Stem Injury Resulted From Trauma
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the patient suffered a herniated brain stem. ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Explore Full Spectrum of CP Codes
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider performed an office evaluation a... Read more
Coding Updates:
Explore New Codes to Document Substance Abuse
Don't miss new coding options for vehicle accidents, either. There are myriad new codes f... Read more
Specialty Spotlight:
Bust These Pediatric Asthma Coding Myths
Hint: Understanding severity is crucial for coding asthma accurately. There are some mis... Read more
Diagnosis Deep Dive:
Take the Pain out of Coding Low Back Pain
Check in on coding this tricky condition, now that you've had a year of practice. Coding ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Start With Q01.- for Encephalocele Dx
Question: What is encephalocele, and how do I choose an ICD-10 code for this conditio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to U09.9 for Long COVID Dx
Question: A patient presented to our pulmonology practice with fatigue that affects ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember: Code Ultimate Diagnosis
Question: The gastroenterologist suspected Barrett's esophagus, which prompted an up... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Demystify Neck Sprain Coding
Question: The provider treated a patient who came in complaining of neck pain that's ... Read more
Code Updates:
Explore Code Changes for These Neurologic Conditions
Find new options for muscle wasting disease. Among the 1,468 new ICD-10 codes, 251 delete... Read more
Condition Spotlight:
Become Familiar With These Dementia-Centric Updates
Hint: Vascular dementia codes get more specific. The 2023 ICD-10-CM codes go into effect ... Read more
Case Study:
Try Your Coding Knowledge in This Situation With Comorbidities
Beware: This case study asks you to evaluate leveling of medical decision making. Summer ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Determine Difference Between Milk Allergy and Intolerance
Question: The doctor has diagnosed one of our patients as having a milk allergy. I us... Read more
Reader Questions:
Differentiate Between These Types of Acidosis
Question: What is the correct diagnosis coding for a patient who has type 1 diabetes ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report 1 Code for a Cold
Question: If a patient has a sore throat and a cold, do I code both conditions? Maine Sub... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Look to 5th Character in This Asthma Scenario
Question: My provider assessed a patient with asthma who was experiencing acute exace... Read more
Anesthesia Coding:
Look at the Big Picture for 2023 Updates
Don't miss the new options for endometriosis. Anesthesia coders see myriad diagnoses, so... Read more
Cardiology Updates:
Find Out About Aortic Aneurysm Coding Changes
Hint: You'll see new code I20.2 for refractory angina pectoris. The Centers for Medicar... Read more
Pediatrics Update:
Count Newborn and Perinatal Code Changes in Your Update Repertoire
Hint: Some otherwise familiar codes may require an additional character come Oct. 1. Pedi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware This Qualifying Note for Acute Pulmonary Edema Code
Question: I have documentation that lists the patient's diagnosis as pulmonary edema,... Read more
Reader Questions:
Cement This Difference Between ‘Unspecified’ and ‘Other’
Question: What is the difference between E78.5 (Hyperlipidemia, unspecified) and E78.... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember, You Can Query Before Using Unspecified Codes
Question: I'm trying to select the most accurate diagnosis code for a polyp removal,... Read more
You Be the Coder:
If Suspected Tumors Don’t Materialize, Try This
Question: This patient is at high risk for stage 1 urothelial cell carcinoma and is h... Read more
Code Updates:
Don’t Miss These Changes to Diagnosis Codes Related to Head Injuries
Remember: Updated ICD-10 codes go into effect annually Oct. 1. The World Health Organizat... Read more
Coding Deep Dive:
Remember 6 When Categorizing Osteoarthritis
Combine anatomical knowledge with an understanding of OA for success. Osteoarthritis (OA)... Read more
Coding Practice:
Brush Up on Activity Codes
Stay on top of these common summer injuries. Is your practice overwhelmed by patients see... Read more
Reader Questions:
See ‘Likely’? Consider a Query
Question: I have a report where the provider wrote “likely a meniscus tear,” with... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look Toward S92.- for Cuboid Fracture
Question: What function does the cuboid bone have and which ICD-10-CM code should I ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Use Unspecified Codes if You Can Access Better Info
Question: A colleague said to try not to use unspecified ICD-10 codes. However, numer... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Look to Pelvis Code in this Coccyx Case
Question: Parents brought their 6-year-old child into the emergency department (ED) f... Read more
Diagnosis Deep Dive:
Don’t Miss These Crucial Tips for Coding Tachycardia
Hint: Atrial flutter may be typical, atypical, or unspecified. Most coders who encounter... Read more
Back to Basics:
Code Aftercare Differently than Surveillance
Boost your oncology coding by distinguishing the types of care a patient may receive durin... Read more
Skill Builder:
Get Cozy With the ICD-10-CM Book to Nail Down These Guidelines
Remember to use annotation as a crucial tool. Lots of coders face challenging twists and... Read more
Reader Questions:
Focus on the Cause to Code This Rash Diagnosis
Question: The provider determined an acute rash was an allergic reaction to nickel ex... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember Some Conditions Are Known by Many Names
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffered from “arnold chiari type... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Obstructed Labor With These Dx Codes
Question: I need help with the ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes for this ob patient. The pa... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Demystify the PAIS Acronym
Question: What is os trigonum syndrome and which ICD-10-CM code should I report for t... Read more
Diagnosis Deep Dive:
Get the Lowdown on Lyme Disease Coding
Surprise: This may be a time when an ‘unspecified' code is a go-to. Despite being a tic... Read more
Specialty Spotlight:
Shore Up Your Skin Condition Coding
Hint: Some conditions are part of a larger disease process. Patients may find their sk... Read more
Wound Coding:
Clean Up Your Ankle Wound Coding With These 3 Tips
Find the cause of the wound before you select a code. Checking the medical documentation ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Go Ahead and Bill These Conditions Together — When the Documentation Supports It
Question: Can I bill R53.83 and F33.1 together if they are unrelated? AAPC Forum Par... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Consider a Post-Op Complication Aftercare for Tonsillectomy
Question: A patient came to the office with a post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. Should w... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pair Screening With Encounter for Z12.11
Question: A patient came in for follow-up on a chronic condition, and the provider n... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Go Specific for This Cardiomyopathy Condition
Question: My cardiologist documented cardiomyopathy due to drugs and an external agen... Read more
COVID-19:
Stay Ahead of the COVID Coding Curve
Even as mandates end, new treatment codes may require your attention. Coding a COVID-19 i... Read more
Diagnosis Deep Dive:
Understand The Various Facets of Prostatitis
Hint: There are four different types of prostatitis. A coder cannot land on the most accu... Read more
Signs and Symptoms:
Use These 5 Tips to Code This Common Pain Symptom
Follow these guidelines when applying an R10.- code. There are 27 different codes in the... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Assume Connection Between Immunosuppression and RA
Question: Am I able to code M06.9 with D89.89 if the patient suffers immunosuppressio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to K11.- for Sialoadentis
Question: Which diagnosis code describes sialoadenitis? Maine Subscriber Answer:&nb... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider a Z Code if Patient is Asymptomatic for an STD
Question: If a provider tests a patient for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rely on I49.5 for Sick Sinus Syndrome
Question: A patient has sick sinus syndrome. How should I report this diagnosis on my... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Don’t Forget This 7th Character for M97.22-
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffered from periprosthetic fracture ne... Read more
Diagnosis Spotlight:
Explore the Myriad Options in ‘UTI’ Dx
Hint: A UTI may implicate the bladder or kidneys or urethra. Even though an ICD-10 code, ... Read more
Knowledge Check:
Seek Clarity on Embolism Condition Coding
Important: Don't report a septic embolism as a primary condition. Understanding what diag... Read more
Case Study:
Try Coding This Leukoplakia Encounter
Navigating biopsy procedures may hold the key to accuracy. Oral hairy leukoplakia is a co... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know What to Do for COPD Treatment Side Effects
Question: A pulmonologist in our practice prescribed formoterol to a patient with ch... Read more
Reader Questions:
Try These Dx Strategies for Modifier 59 Issues
Question: Medicare regulations indicate that separate ICD-10 codes are not required t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Discover This Synonym for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Question: Our provider treated a patient with “tic douloureux.” Is there a straig... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to I63.4- for This CI/Embol Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that one of our providers treated a patient for ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Look For These Words When Otitis Media Dx Lacks Specificity
Question: I have an otitis media chart in front of me and I'm confused. I know it's o... Read more
Diagnosis Deep Dive:
Boost Your Knowledge to Code This Common Cancer Complication
Knowing which diagnosis came first is key to finding the correct guidelines. Many people ... Read more
Best Practices:
Find the Right Code, Even When the Diagnosis Is Vague
Hint: If patient suspects foreign body but ophthalmologist can't find, code eye pain. Yo... Read more
Specialty Spotlight:
Demystify Perinatal Period Codes With This Advice
Surprise: Sometimes the code you need isn't in ICD-10-CM Chapter 16. Coders whose work ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Note Which Syndromes Are Synonymous With Particular Stroke
Question: Notes indicate that a patient suffered from Wallenberg syndrome. I'm not f... Read more
Reader Questions:
Shoveling Injury? There’s a Code for That
Question: A patient came into our practice complaining of right shoulder pain after s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look Beyond ICD-10-CM for This Rare Cancer
Question: How do you code triple-hit lymphoma with MYC, BCL2, and BCL rearrangements?... Read more
Reader Questions:
The Rules Aren’t Clear for This Age-Old Question
Question: Are there any ICD-10 guidelines for when to use a code that is specific to ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Whether Gout or Podagra, Look to M10.-
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider performed a level-two office eva... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Note Any Underlying Conditions Along with Diagnosis for G47.3
Question: A patient's general practitioner referred them to our pulmonology practice after... Read more
Code This Scenario:
Test Your Coding Knowledge With This Radiology Situation
Watch how ‘and' is used in code titles and descriptors to ensure accuracy. Radiology co... Read more
Diagnosis Spotlight:
Keep These 5 Numbers in Mind When Coding Type 2 Diabetes
Specificity should be top priority for providers and coders. Do you code type 2 diabetes?... Read more
Specialty Spotlight:
Bone Up on Your Ankle Fracture Coding
Hint: A bimalleolar fracture involves two bones. Fractures are tricky to code because ... Read more
Reader Questions:
J44 Codes Aren’t Interchangeable
Question: One of the pulmonologists in our practice examined a patient during a follow-up ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Observation Codes Can Be Primary Dx
Question: Should we report the observation diagnosis codes (Z03-Z05) as primary diagnoses ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Get Confused by Similar Sounding ‘Excludes1’ and ‘Excludes2’
Question: I am still confused by the Excludes1 and Excludes2 instructions in ICD-10. Can y... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Reason for Visit, First
Question: A patient with abdominal pain came to see our pediatrician. However, during the ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Note Tumor Behavior Before Choosing Dx Code
Question: The pathology report for our patient being investigated for ovarian cancer menti... Read more
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