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Radiology Coding Alert

ICD-9 2011:

Size Up New Sign, Symptom, and Other Codes Supporting Radiology Claims

Published on Sun May 09, 2010

Expect changes to jaw pain and hemoptysis coding options.When the radiologist doesn't document a definitive diagnosis, you have to hunt down the proper codes for the signs or symptoms that prompted the exam. And ICD-9 2011 wants to add some all-new options to the hunt. Benefit: These new codes "may justify medical necessity for the diagnostic imaging services from the ordering provider," explains Helen L. Avery, CPC, CHC, CPC-I, manager of revenue cycle services for Los Angeles-based Sinaiko Healthcare Consulting Inc. Take a look at potential new options for jaw pain, hemoptysis, and more, that could go into effect Oct. 1, 2010, if the codes make it into the final version released in the fall. Keep Tabs on 786.3x for Chest Exams The most significant of the proposed signs and symptoms codes may be the expanded listing for hemoptysis, which refers to coughing up blood. The current general code (786.3, [...]
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