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Urology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Service on Oct. 1? Apply New ICD-9 Codes

Published on Sat Oct 30, 2004

Question: I'm wondering about the new ICD-9 Codes that came out on Oct. 1. If the date of service was in September 2004, but the charge does not get posted until Oct. 4, 2004, should we use the old or new ICD-9 code?

Vermont Subscriber Answer: The "effective date" for new codes (ICD-9 codes as well as CPT codes) always refers to the date the service was performed. So, if you treated a patient in September, use the old ICD-9 code, even if you don't post it until October. This is especially important to remember since CMS has done away with the 90-day grace period for using new codes. Now, you must begin using new codes for every service you provide on or past the effective date of the new codes.
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