SuperCoder Blog

Clinicians use nerve conduction studies (NCS) to assess peripheral nerve function. Here are three pointers that are essential to accurate NCS coding.

1. Know Where to Find NCS Codes

Let’s start simple. You can’t report nerve conduction studies if you don’t know where to find the codes, so here they are. You choose the correct code based on the number of studies. (More on that in the next section.)

• 95907 (Nerve conduction studies; 1-2 studies)
• 95908 (… 3-4 studies)
• 95909 (… 5-6 studies)
• 95910 (… 7-8 studies)
• 95911 (… 9-10 studies)
• 95912 (<...
  

Opioid use has been getting a lot of attention lately, so it’s worth noting that ICD-10-CM 2019 is all set to include a code for a newborn affected by maternal use of opiates. That code was just one of ICD-10-CM 2019’s new additions in category P04.-. To help you find the right code faster when the codes are effective Oct. 1, 2018, you can use the alphabetical list below.

Tip: The list includes all 2019 ICD-10-CM codes in P04.-, not just changes, so you’ll have all the codes at your fingertips.

Find the Right Reportable Code in This Alphabetical List*

Codes in P04.- (Newborn affected by noxious substances transmitted via placenta or breast milk)

Four new Category III codes were effective July 1, 2018. But that’s just a warmup to the 35 changes planned for Jan. 1, 2019. Check this summary to see where you need to focus for updates.

Remember: The final list of codes may change before implementation, so be sure you use the final, correct list once the codes are effective.

What Codes Were Effective July 1?

You should already be using these codes for dates of service on and after July 1, 2018:

• Code 0505T for endovenous femoral-popliteal stent placement “with crossing of the occlusive lesion in an extraluminal fashion”
• Code 0506T for use …
  

If you read our ICD-10-CM 2019 overview, you know to expect new surgical wound infection codes effective Oct. 1, 2018. Get to know the notes with the codes to be sure you can match your documentation to these more specific 2019 diagnosis codes when the time comes.

Ob-Gyn Coders, Don’t Miss These Changes

The first set of new codes are under O86.0- (Infection of obstetric surgical wound). In the 2018 code set, O86.0 is a complete, reportable code. In 2019, you’ll need …

ICD-10-CM 2019 is swapping the term “medial phalanx” to “middle phalanx” in 10 finger fracture codes. It’s a simple change, but it’s a reminder of the various factors involved in fracture coding. To help your orthopedic coding and documentation keep up with ICD-10-CM specificity, here’s a documentation checklist to help you find the right code for finger fractures fast under S62.6- (Fracture of other and unspecified finger(s)).

5^th Character: Identify Phalanx and Whether Fracture Is Displaced

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We’ve been on a roll with coding updates lately, so let’s keep that momentum going! The July 2018 updates are bringing changes for Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) CPT® codes. The codes won’t be published in the printed manual until 2019, but the updates are effective July 1, 2018.

Seven of the 17 new codes are specific to oncology, and we’ll focus on those. Below are the proprietary names and clinical labs/manufacturers as well as the short descriptors, with a little …

Our coverage of ICD-10-CM 2019 updates continues here! In Part 1, you read about diagnosis coding for everything from eyelid disorders to urethral strictures. But there’s more to learn, so let’s keep going!

Keep in mind: Below are just some of the highlights from the new code set, not a complete listing. Plus, the codes we’re discussing here are the preliminary ICD-10-CM 2019 updates from the CDC and CMS. The final list …

The preliminary ICD-10-CM 2019 code list shows roughly 280 new reportable codes and about 170 revisions. As you check into the 2019 diagnosis code changes, here are some trends and highlights to be alert for. (Watch for more coverage of the 2019 ICD-10-CM updates in the next post.)

Remember: This is a preliminary list. The final list may change before you start using the 2019 codes for dates of service Oct. 1, 2018, and later. You can check out the complete early list of 2019 updates on the CMS and <...

If you perform cataract removal services in RAC regions 1, 2, or 3, be on alert. Coding and unit errors are under the spotlight. Here’s the scoop.

What & Where: Learn the RACs and Regions Involved

RACs Cotiviti Healthcare and Performant have both posted the following as approved audit issues:

• 0083 – Cataract Removal Excessive Units – Partial Denial
• 0084 – Cataract Removal Excessive Units – Full Denial.

Cotiviti lists these issues for region 2 extending from Texas up to Minnesota (J5, J6, JH) and region 3 …

You may have noticed 2019 ICD-10-PCS changes already posted on your TCI SuperCoder Coding Tools page, if that’s your medical coding software. (2019 … whoa!) Let’s check out the trends in the new 2019 ICD-10-PCS codes for inpatient reporting.

The numbers: There are 392 new codes, eight revised titles, and 216 deleted codes, according to the ICD-10-PCS FY 2019 Update Summary posted by CMS. That’s a net gain, going from 78,705 codes in 2018 to …