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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

ICD-9 2012:

704.4x, 286.5x: Get Specific With Cyst, Hemorrhagic Disorder Coding

Published on Wed Sep 07, 2011

Plus, 999.4x changes 'shock' to 'reaction.' If your lab bills transfusion medicine services, pathology exams for certain cysts, or blood tests for hemorrhagic disorders, we have some news to get your 2012 ICD-9 coding up to speed. The proposed codes will take effect on Oct. 1, and constitute the last full set of ICD-9 changes before the switch to ICD-10 diagnosis coding on Oct. 1, 2013. Recognize Cyst Differences ICD-9 2012 creates two new codes for common hair-follicle cysts -- 704.41 (Pilar cyst) and 704.42 (Trichilemmal cyst). Pilar cysts are often confused with sebaceous cysts despite having distinct characteristics. For instance: Pilar cysts form with keratinizing epithelium associated with a hair follicle. These cysts don't have a granular layer, which is characteristic of sebaceous cysts. The ICD-9 update will add an "excludes" statement for new codes 704.41 and 704.42 under 706.2 (Sebaceous cyst). Clarify Serum Reactions With New 999 Codes If [...]
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