Reader Question:
You Have Go Ahead for 488.1
Published on Mon Oct 12, 2009
Question: I heard that we couldn't use the diagnosis code for novel H1N1 until some future date. What is the code, and when can we use it? Florida Subscriber Answer: As of Oct. 1, 2009, you could use 488.1 (Influenza due to identified novel H1N1 influenza virus) for diagnosed H1N1 cases. Also on Oct. 1, ICD-9 changed the 488 category definition from "Influenza due to identified avian influenza virus" to a broader definition: "Influenza due to certain identified influenza viruses. " Without a firm H1N1 diagnosis, you should stick to 487.x (Influenza). -- Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were prepared with the assistance of R.M. Stainton Jr., MD, president of Doctors' Anatomic Pathology Services in Jonesboro, Ark.
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:
