Advanced Search

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Increase Your Neoplasm Coding Arsenal With 5 New Codes

Published on Tue Aug 25, 2009

A 5th digit on this insurance 'frontgate' diagnosis will prevent kick-outs. Although your Merkel cell cancer and unspecified nature neoplasm coding familiarity is under attack from added ICD-9 specificity, you can protect your practice from incorrect entries by following these rules. Choose 209.x Based on Merkel Cell CA Site ICD-9 2010 brings you specific options for Merkel  cell carcinoma (CA) including 209.31 (Merkel cell carcinoma of the face), 209.32 (... of the scalp and neck), and 209.36 (... of other sites). Using ICD-9 2009 codes, you have to lump this cancer under 173.x (Other malignant neoplasm of skin), which is mainly for basal cell and squamous cell cancers. "Separating out the Merkel cell type is a step in the right direction, in regards to further delineation of the types of  cancer and ICD-9 coding to a specific type," says AndrewBorden CCS-P, CPC, reimbursement manager for the otolaryngology department at Medical [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

View All