Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Tip: Get Clarity on abuse vs dependence to get the correct code. Get ready to change your mindset when choosing a diagnosis code for substance use, abuse, or dependence under ICD-10. Current ICD-9 codes focus on the patterns of use (episodic, continuous, or unspecified), but you'll need to define acute or chronic use to pinpoint the right code under ICD-10. ICD-9: Sub-Par Documentation Could Trap You in 'Unspecified' ICD-9 does not clearly define the terms "episodic" or "continuous" use, although you have fifth-digit subclassification choices for use that is unspecified, episodic, continuous, or in remission. Not having clearly defined parameters means providers might not adequately document the situation ��" which relegates you to the "unspecified" fifth digit of 0. Example: The physician diagnoses opioid dependence in the patient. Your code choices are: 304.00 -- Opioid type dependence; unspecified use 304.01 -- ... continuous use 304.02 -- ... episodic use 304.09 -- ... in remission. [...]