Icd-9 Codes

ICD-9-CM procedure codes had about 3,000 codes, ICD-10-PCS has over 72,000 codes. The way the new system has been set up this number has the ability to grow as well.

"In the United States, ICD-10 has been used to classify mortality data since 1999, while we continue to use ICD-9-CM for all other purposes, such as billing and morbidity statistics. In addition, government agencies, health care insures, and providers are studying the implications of switching to ICD-10-CM." (Aalseth, 2006)

Coding systems are used in the inpatient and outpatient settings for the classification of patient morbidity and mortality information for statistical use. The World Health Organization (WHO) developed the Ninth Revision, International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) in the 1970s to track mortality statistics across the world. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM), is the adaptation the U.S. health system uses as a standard list of six-character alphanumeric codes to describe diagnoses. Globally utilizing a standardized system improves consistency in recording symptoms and diagnoses for payer claims reimbursement, as well as clinical research, and tracking purposes.

To make life easier you should document these patients with both ICD-9 and ICD-10 from the getgo. By entering all of your patient’s insurance information into your billing system, it will prompt you to enter both code sets at the beginning of treatment enabling a smooth transition to a patient’s secondary insurance once his primary benefits have been exhausted.

There are two trends that I have learned about from UMA and TV. ICD-10 replacing IDC-9. ICD-10 will provide the medical billing/coder with more descriptions for describing encounters and hospital stay for patients. Where ICD-9 had 3,824 procedure codes and 14,025 diagnosis codes, ICD-10 on the other hand, has 71,924 procedure codes and 69,823 diagnosis codes that is a big difference. The affordable care act also made an impacted on billing/coding since more people are getting procedures done. These procedures will need to be coded and documented for doctors and hospitals to get paid.

Enter the 3-5 alpha/numeric character code from the ICD-9 related to the procedures, services, or supplies listed in Block #24e. List the primary diagnosis on Line A, with any subsequent codes to be entered on Lines B thru H (the highest level of specificity in priority order). Additional diagnoses are optional and may be listed on Lines I thru L. – Required

The most obvious difference between the two systems is the number of diagnostic codes. ICD-9 had about 14,000 codes whereas ICD-10 will have 68,000 codes.

The continue use of ICD-9 codes after the effective date could result in the denial of reimbursement claims. This task can be assigned to the healthcare organization’s management team to determine a solution avoiding a break down in the system. Rahmathulla states, “In instances of an audit, appropriate documentation will make the query process substantially easier while enabling coders to clarify issues without having to query the provider multiple times for answers” (“Migration To The ICD-10 Coding System S187). It is important to accurately document to reduce the amount of claim denials. With the new specificity requirement of the ICD-10 and documentation supporting a claim, lowers the chances of healthcare fraud. The healthcare management team will oversee the process to prevent the risk of exposure.

I am choosing ICD-10 Codes. The reason I have chosen ICD-10 codes is because every medical facility uses the ICD-10 codes for the billing and coding. That is the only way they get paid is by using ICD-10 codes. They will all receive adequate payments using the updated codes and the right type of billing.

A.The digits ; ICD-9- contains less digits then ICD-10.The ICD 9 has three to five but the ICD 10,has three to seventh digits.The purposes on this change was to be more specific,and also to add diseases and conditions not cover under the ICD 9 codes.

ICD-10 – CM is a three- to seven character alphanumeric representation of a disease or condition. The first digit is alpha; Digit 2 is numeric. There is a decimal placed after the third character. There are 69,000 codes to better capture specificity, tis also

Coders has to make sure they are putting the decimal in the right place for proper ICD-10 codes in order to get the correct diagnosis. Example Pain in gallbladder K82.9 If it looked like K82 as a coder we would know this not correct and would cause a issue with getting this paid,or the computer kicking it back with error.

Due to ICD-9-CMS’ ability to provide necessary detail for patients’ medical conditions or the procedures and services performed on hospital patients, ICD-10-CM/PCS was implemented.

ICD-10, which is the tenth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problem, refers to a medical classification inventory for the coding of diseases, their signs, symptoms and causes (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 1). The use of this revised version in the United States is scheduled to begin officially on the first of October 2013. Currently, ICD-10 is being used for diagnosis coding, in procedure coding systems and for inpatient procedure coding.

The outmoded coding professional’s role was to describe and apportion diagnosis, procedure, and other medicinal service codes using ICD-9-CM and HCPCS/CPT coding classifications while referencing the Coding Clinic for ICD-9-CM, Coding Clinic for HCPCS,