Radiology Coding Alert

Question: We're going to start providing ultrasounds to assess pressure ulcers. How do I choose an ICD-9 code for these services? Kansas Subscriber Answer: You'll need to report a code for both the anatomic location and the stage of the pressure ulcer. Example: For a lower back pressure ulcer, you should report 707.03 (Pressure ulcer; lower back) and an additional code from 707.20-707.25 (Pressure ulcer stages ...) to identify the pressure ulcer stage: • 707.20 -- Pressure ulcer, unspecified stage • 707.21 -- Pressure ulcer stage I • 707.22 -- Pressure ulcer stage II • 707.23 -- Pressure ulcer stage III • 707.24 -- Pressure ulcer stage IV • 707.25 -- Pressure ulcer, unstageable. Prepare now: You'll need additional anatomic details when you start using ICD-10 in 2013. For instance, for the same lower back pressure ulcer as in the example above, choosing the proper ICD-10 code will depend on whether the ulcer is on the [...]