Health Information Management

Q&A: Coding for Delleman syndrome

HIM Connection, March 9, 2010

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Q: What code should I use to report for Delleman syndrome?
 
A: Delleman syndrome—otherwise known as oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome—is a rare sporadic birth condition characterized by the following conditions:
  • Orbital cysts
  • Micropthalmia and anopthalmia
  • Focal skin hypoplasia
  • Skin tags
  • Cerebral malformations
ICD-9-CM does not include a specific code for this syndrome. However, Coding Clinic, first quarter 1994, pp. 8–13, states that coders should assign an appropriate code from categories 740–759 (congenital anomalies) when a specific abnormality is diagnosed for an infant.

Such abnormalities may occur as a set of symptoms or multiple malformations. Assign a code for each presenting manifestation of the syndrome if the syndrome is not specifically indexed in ICD-9-CM.

Therefore, assign 759.7 (multiple congenital anomalies). If the infant has any of the above conditions, assign codes for the conditions as well. For example, report 376.81 for orbital cyst, 743.10 for microphthalmia, 757.39 for focal skin hypoplasia and/or skin tags, and 747.81 for cerebral malformation (anomaly).
 
Editor’s note: Sandra Sillman, RHIT, PAHM, DRG coordinator at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, answered this question in the March 2010 issue of Briefings on Coding Compliance Strategies.



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