Due to the epidemic of vaping related injuries and deaths, the CDC has released ICD-10-CM Vaping Coding Guidance. Based on what is now known about vaping or e-cigarette-related health conditions, the update contains official diagnosis coding guidance for encounters related to e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI). The CDC is investigating the […]

If you’re feeling especially snippy to your staff or can barely summon the energy to get through your work day, you could be struggling from burn out. This syndrome is increasing so quickly in our modern times that it now has its own diagnosis for burnout: ICD-10-CM code Z73.0. ICD-11 includes a section for burnout […]

You have be under the impression that you should never utilize unspecified codes.  This is completely incorrect.  Actually, when unspecified codes are used wisely, it can make a significant difference in your ability to get your claims paid.

As of October 1st, your outpatient claims will be expected to incorporate the new 2018 ICD0-10-CM code, which include 360 new, 142 deleted, and 226 revised codes going live.  Just like last year’s changes, many of the new codes provide more specificity to your diagnoses. This means you’ll need to work with your clinicians to […]

When choosing the most accurate ICD-10 diagnosis code, you’re often required to include all seven characters to prove the medical necessity for a procedure or office visit. If not, your chances of having the claim denied are significantly increased. Nailing down that seventh character can be vital for getting your claims paid the first time […]

With more than 71,000 ICD-10 codes this year, your diagnosis coding can be more confusing than ever. One key to limiting that confusion is to know how to easily identify and when to use combination codes. These codes link symptoms, manifestations or complications with a particular diagnosis. Use them correctly, and you’ve got medical necessity […]

When you’re assigning diagnoses for a patient encounter, if you have a confirmed diagnosis, that’s what you use. You don’t need to submit the patient’s signs and symptoms too. But there are times when you need both to support your claim to receive the reimbursement you deserve. When relying on signs and symptoms codes, there […]

As if diagnosis coding isn’t hard enough, ICD-10-CM includes a whole group of unspecified codes that will almost ensure your claims end up in the denial pile. But there are a few steps you can take early on that can prevent this from happening. ICD-10 offers a great deal more specificity, and payers expect you […]