Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Assigning the correct diagnosis pointers is crucial for a successful claim.Choosing the appropriate codes for your case is an important step, but it isn't the only step toward reimbursement. You have to know how to apply those codes to your claim form, as well. Use the following scenario as an example of how to represent your carefully chosen codes on a claim.Scenario: Suppose a patient presents for chemotherapy. She completes the ordered chemotherapy infusions, but suffers from nausea and vomiting as a complication during the chemotherapy encounter. The physician orders hydration as a therapeutic infusion at the same encounter. You need to determine which diagnosis codes to report and which CPT Codes and HCPCS Codes to tie those ICD-9 codes to.First, Determine Proper ICD-9 Order Because the patient presented for chemotherapy, your first-listed ICD-9 code should be V58.11 (Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy). Next, you should list the relevant neoplasm code(s). [...]