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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

READER QUESTION ~ Review Details Before Coding Pump Check

Published on Mon Feb 05, 2007

Question: Our neurologist saw a patient for an issue with his baclofen pump. What diagnosis should I code, considering that our physician did not place the pump?

California Subscriber Answer: Some coders opt for 996.2 (Mechanical complication of nervous system device, implant and graft). Other coders shy away from this option because the examples listed in ICD-9 do not specifically cite -reprogrammable pump.- These coders recommend 349.1 (Nervous system complications from surgically implanted device) instead.

Because coders have different opinions on this situation, get more details from your physician before submitting the claim.
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