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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Here's What New V Codes Mean for You

Published on Mon Aug 23, 2004

Question: I understand that CMS introduced several new V codes for 2004-2005. What do these new codes mean for oncology coders?

Washington Subscriber

Answer: This new category of codes identifies encounters for prophylactic organ removal. Some patients who have a genetic susceptibility to a malignancy may request an organ's removal to prevent the disease from occurring. Although ICD-9 already offers codes that indicate an encounter was for an organ removal, it did not include codes to indicate why, until now. And, oncologists needed these new codes because they can use the current "carrier status" codes only when a person is a disease carrier and is able to pass it on to offspring. Before you report these codes, the patient's record should include documentation of an abnormal gene confirmed by a genetic test.

The new codes are:

V84.01 - Genetic susceptibility to malignant neoplasm of breast

V84.02 - Genetic susceptibility to malignant neoplasm of ovary

V84.03 - Genetic susceptibility to malignant neoplasm of prostate

V84.04 - Genetic susceptibility to malignant neoplasm of endometrium

V84.09 - Genetic susceptibility to other malignant neoplasm

V84.8 - Genetic susceptibility to other disease.




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