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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

488.1 for H1N1? Watch Your DOS, Documentation

Published on Tue Aug 25, 2009

You might be sticking with 487.x --even in the fall. Before you start using new code 488.1 for the swine flu, get the facts you need to adhere to ICD-9 coding guidelines. Truth 1: Stick With 487.x  Until Oct. 1 Provided you're up to date with the latest ICD-9 coding expert recommendations, your coding for confirmed cases should be on track. "Given the current coding constraints, 487.x (Influenza) is the best choice" until ICD-9 2010 goes into effect," says Kathy Giannangelo, MA, RHIA, CCS, CPHIMS, FAHIMA, an independent consultant in Springfield, Ill. Reason: The ICD-9 2009 code 488 is specific for avian flu. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has indicated they feel under the current code titles that 487 is the appropriate code, reports Jeffrey F. Linzer Sr., MD, MICP, FAAP, FACEP, associate medical director of compliance and business affairs for the Emergency Pediatric Group at Children's Healthcare [...]
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