Radiology Coding Alert

Are you prepared to start reporting more specific dysphagia codes in October? Ease the switch to ICD-9 2008 by preparing now for the new codes coming your way.

How? You can see the final list of added, deleted and revised ICD-9 2008 codes online at the CMS Web site www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD9ProviderDiagnostic

Codes/07_summarytables.asp#TopOfPage, or at the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Web site at www.cdc.gov/nchs/icd9.htm.

The list includes the codes discussed in "Take 5 to Get a Jump on How ICD-9 2008 Will Affect You" from Radiology Coding Alert Vol. 9, No. 7:

• 331.5 -- Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH)
• 440.4 -- Atherosclerosis; chronic total occlusion of artery of the extremities
• 787.20 -- Dysphagia, unspecified
• 787.21 -- Dysphagia, oral phase'
• 787.22 -- Dysphagia, oropharyngeal phase
• 787.23 -- Dysphagia, pharyngeal phase
• 787.24 -- Dysphagia, pharyngoesophageal phase
• 787.29 -- Other dysphagia
• 789.51 -- Malignant ascites
• 789.59 -- Other ascites
• V12.54 -- Personal history of transient ischemic attack (TIA), and cerebral infarction without residual deficits.

Remember: Start submitting ICD-9 2008 codes for services performed on or after Oct. 1, 2007.