Primary Care Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Inexact ICD-9 Code? Refer to Closest Diagnosis Equivalent

Question: My family physician saw a patient for "ciliary dyskinesia." This condition occurs in the nasal passages and leads to problems with chronic sinus infections. What diagnosis code should I report?South Carolina Subscriber Answer: You won't find an exact diagnosis code for this condition. Everything in ICD-9 about ciliary is linked to the eye, neoplasms, or syphilis. Therefore, you should use either chronic sinusitis (473.x) and/or 478.19 (Other diseases of the nasal cavity and sinuses).
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

Primary Care Coding Alert

View All