Wiki 2009 ICD9 codes

[nc_coder]

We have been reviewing some of the new codes for 2009. I am curious to hear some other opinions. There are new codes for Secondary Diabetes Mellitus. What exactly would be the difference in the use of the "Secondary" (249 codes) and the regular diabetes mellitus (250 codes)? In what scenerio would you use the different codes.

 

[debherrera]

Secondary Diabetes

When a patient has diabetes documented as well a genetic defect on insulin or a pancreatic adenocarcinoma a disease of the exocrin pancreas, the patient may have secondary diabetes. Then you would consider using the codes from the 249.XX section. But as always query the physician if in doubt.