Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
162.x: OK for Pleural Effusion Case?
Question: Documentation indicates malignant pleural effusion in a patient with malignant cancer of the main bronchus. What codes would you bill in this case? Florida Subscriber Answer: You should wait for the final diagnosis from cytology to confirm malignant effusion. But once confirmed, you should bill 511.81 (Malignant pleural effusion) to represent the malignant effusion. A note with 511.81 tells you to "code first malignant neoplasm, if known," such as 162.2 (Malignant neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung; main bronchus). Keep in mind:
Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
- Infusion Coding:
V58.11 Comes First, But Which CPT Codes Does It Match?
Assigning the correct diagnosis pointers is crucial for a successful claim.Choosing the appropriate codes for [...] - ICD-10:
C67.-Offers Some Good News for the ICD-10 Transition
The new range has the same fifth digits as your ICD-9 bladder neoplasm options.From trigone [...] - Anatomy:
150.0-156.0: Picture Digestive Organ Primary Neoplasm Diagnoses
But remember to watch for contiguous options.If you have trouble distinguishing the cecum from the [...] - ICD-10:
ICD-10 Transition Is No Easy Task, Say Those Who've Gotten an Early Start
Best bet: Establish your initial plan for conversion immediately so you can project your practice's [...] - You Be the Coder:
162.x: OK for Pleural Effusion Case?
Question: Documentation indicates malignant pleural effusion in a patient with malignant cancer of the main [...] - Reader Questions:
J9395 MUE Update Slated for April
Question: We've been getting denials for J9395 based on the number of units. Is there [...] - Reader Questions:
569.3 or 578.1? Check Origins of Blood
Question: I'm not sure when I should use 569.3 and 578.1 for bloody stool. Are [...] - Reader Questions:
209.21 Trumps 162.9 for Carcinoid Tumor
Question: Pathology reports came back indicating a malignant carcinoid tumor of the lung. Our charge [...]
