BCBS / Coding Challenge

Surgery Coding: Narrow Your Options for Birmingham Hip Procedure

Include this term in Box 19 to indicate the type of implant. Question: One of our surgeons says we should use a total hip code for Birmingham resurfacing even if he doesn’t complete a total hip procedure; another physician says to use an unlisted code . What’s the correct answer? Washington Subscriber Answer: Both of your physicians could [...] Related articles:

  1. Test Yourself: Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Coding Can you tackle an op note like this one...
  2. How Do I Code An Arthroscopic To Open Ankle Surgery?Question: Our surgeon attempted to remove a loose body in...
  3. Podiatry Coding Education: 28293 For Joint Replacement for Hallux LimitusQuestion: Our podiatrist performed a joint replacement for hallux limitus and...

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February 23, 2010
Coding Challenge

Neurosurgery Coding: Previous Injury Means Multiple Dx Options

Find out what additional information V codes provide to the payer. Question: We have a patient with previous spinal injury that is now causing neck pain. How should I code the diagnosis? North Carolina Subscriber Answer: Document and code prior conditions that contribute to a patient’s current complaint — if they affect the management of the current condition. Prior trauma, [...] Related articles:

  1. ICD-9 2010: More Coding Options for Brain Injury Check out V80.01 and V80.09 for special screenings. The...
  2. Dx Coding Moves That Stop Denials for Chronic Pain ClaimsTip: Code prior conditions in these cases. Imagine your pain...
  3. How Do I Code This Multiple Fracture Accident Patient?Question: A 30-year-old female presents to a rural ED with...

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February 15, 2010
Toolkit

Test Yourself: ICD-9 2010 for Ob-Gyn Coders

Is your ob-gyn practice using the new codes correctly? 3 quick questions say for sure. This year, ICD-9 2010 brought new hyperplasia, mammogram, and fertility preservation codes. In some cases, these codes simply expanded on existing options, and it’sup to you to spot when you should report the new versus old alternatives. Dig in to [...] Related articles:

  1. What Diagnosis Code Do I Use for a Fern Test?Ob-Gyn Coding Tip: Scan for leukorrhea signs when fluid is...
  2. Are You Up For ICD-9 2010? Quick Quiz Says For Sure Surgery Coders: These 5 questions reveal if you need an...
  3. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Coding Tips Make sure you know when to support your coding...

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November 29, 2009