Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

ICD-9 has introduced several new codes that are pertinent to obstetricians and gynecologists. The codes will go into effect Oct. 1, 2001. The new codes are essentially expansions of old codes and render the former codes obsolete. The changes are fairly straightforward and will allow for greater specificity, more accurate diagnostic coding and fewer questions or denials on claims.
 
Although payers will continue to accept the old codes for a grace period of 90 days, practices should begin to integrate the new codes into their billing systems and charts.
 
256.3 (other ovarian failure) has been replaced with 256.31 (premature menopause) and 256.39 (other ovarian failure).
 
464.0 (acute laryngitis) has been replaced with 464.00 (acute laryngitis, without mention of obstruction).
 
564.0 (constipation) has been replaced with 564.00 (unspecified constipation), 564.01 (slow transit constipation), 564.02 (outlet dysfunction constipation) and 564.09 (other constipation).
 
793.8 (nonspecific abnormal findings on radiological and other examination of body structure; breast) has been replaced with 793.80 (unspecified abnormal mammogram), 793.81 (mammographic microcalcification) and 793.89 (other abnormal findings on radiological examination; breast).
 
V70.7 (examination for normal comparison or control in clinical research) has been replaced with the new code V70.7 (examination of participant in clinical trial).