Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: I read an article that said ICD-10 guidelines for anemia/neoplasm coding differ from ICD-9. Where can I access the ICD-10 guidelines? Answer: You can download the 2010 ICD-10 guidelines from CMS's ICD-10 site: www.cms.gov/ICD10/12_2010_ ICD_10_CM.asp. You also can download them from the CDC's ICD-10-CM site: www.cdc.gov/nchs/icd/icd10cm.htm#10update. Remember: When ICD-10 goes into effect on Oct. 1, 2013, you will apply the official ICD-10 coding guidelines in effect for the relevant date of service. The anemia/neoplasm differences that you refer to most likely relate to coding anemia associated with a malignancy (when the encounter is for the anemia) and coding adverse effects. Neoplasm/anemia scenario: Suppose a patient has anemia associated with a malignancy, and she presents for treatment of the anemia only. ICD-9: ICD-9 guidelines state that your first-listed code should be for anemia, 285.22 (Anemia in neoplastic disease). Then, the guidelines instruct you to report the appropriate malignancy [...]