Tip: Remember to add fifth digit when coding malignant neoplasms of the skin
APCs Weekly Monitor, September 30, 2011
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to APCs Weekly Monitor!
The CDC significantly expanded code series 173.x (other malignant neoplasms of the skin) by adding a fifth digit to each code in the series. For example, coders currently report a malignant neoplasm of the lip with code 173.0. After October 1, coders will need to know the type of malignancy in order to choose the correct codes:
• 173.00, Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of lip
• 173.01, Basal cell carcinoma of skin of lip
• 173.02, Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of lip
• 173.09, Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of lip
The series still includes one code for unspecified malignant neoplasm, but coders should start asking physicians for additional documentation so they can select a more specific code.
In previous years, the coding has been limited because the codes were not specific to a particular type of malignancy despite the documentation provided by physicians
The tip is adapted from “Final regular ICD-9-CM code update continues trend of increased specificity” in the October issue of Briefings on APCs.
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to APCs Weekly Monitor!
Related Products
-
Injections and Infusions: Solutions for Common Coding and Billing Questions
Hospitals continue to struggle with reporting injection and infusion services. Meeting documentation requirements and coding...
-
Advanced Modifiers:
During this 90-minute audio conference, our expert speakers will take a closer look at several common modifiers, identify...
-
Modifier -59 Case Studies: Clarify Common Coding Confusion
Modifier -59 is a perennial problem area for outpatient coders. It shouldn’t be viewed as a way to guarantee payment but...
-
Outpatient Bed Charge Capture: Billing for Common and Complex Cases
During this 90-minute audio conference, our expert speakers walk you through common and complex cases and explain compliant...
-
Billing No-Cost and Low-Cost Devices: Tips to Avoid the Audit Fast Track
During this 90-minute audio conference, our speakers will use a case study to demonstrate best practices to help you comply...
Most Popular
- Articles
-
- Q/A: Volume requirement for reporting hydration services
- Featured blog post: Nurses face felony charges after reporting physician to the Texas Medical Board
- Catch up on what's new with injections and infusions
- Topic: CMS, OESS post new security compliance review information, checklist
- Capturing all necessary codes for IUD insertion and removal can be challenging
- What does case-mix index mean to you?
- HIPAA Q&A: Level of encryption needed for email
- QA:Coding multiple initial infusions
- News and briefs: Oklahoma Osteopathic Association against residency bill change
- OB services: Coding inside and outside of the package
- E-mailed
-
- Q/A: Volume requirement for reporting hydration services
- Featured blog post: Nurses face felony charges after reporting physician to the Texas Medical Board
- HIPAA Q&A: Level of encryption needed for email
- CMS has reformulated payments for some bilateral procedures
- Catch up on what's new with injections and infusions
- New conflicts of interest create new challenges
- Q/A. One injection code or two?
- What does case-mix index mean to you?
- Hospitals are not bound by InterQual criteria for determining patient status
- ED-to-inpatient transfers are flawed with safety gaps
- Searched