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Radiology Coding Alert

ICD-9 2011:

Watch for 4 Key ICD-9 Additions in Your Radiologist's Findings

Published on Sun May 09, 2010

From head to toe, the new diagnosis codes hold something for everyone.Whether your patients present with cardiologic, orthopedic, or gynecologic complaints, the next round of ICD-9 codes could hold important changes for you. Here's the rundown on the new codes most relevant to radiologists -- including a new option for retained magnetic metal fragments.Remember: ICD-9 2011 will go into effect Oct. 1, 2010. The official version will be released in the fall, so the codes below are not yet final.1. Look Forward to More Specific Ectasia CodesThe proposed changes to ICD-9 2011 add four codes specific to aortic ectasia. These codes are among the most significant changes for radiology coders because you may see that term in your radiologist's findings, says Helen L. Avery, CPC, CHC, CPC-I, manager of revenue cycle services for Los Angeles-based Sinaiko Healthcare Consulting Inc. "Ectasia" means dilation or enlargement, and aortic ectasia typically refers to enlargement [...]
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