tci Part B Insider - 2012 Issue 39

ICD-9 Coding: It's Likely That Your MAC Won't Accept 'Likely' Diagnoses

Specific phrases in your physician's notes will lead you to the optimal dx.In most situations, your first-listed ICD-9 code is your physician's primary diagnosis. However, if your doctor performs a diagnostic test but offers no confirmed diagnosis, you may need to report the patient's signs and symptoms instead. Balance these factors by confronting four frequent coding issues. This way, you'll avoid applying a definitive diagnosis prematurely, which could have long-standing consequences for a patient and the patient's insurance.Know What Signs and Symptoms EntailWhen it comes to patient testing, a diagnosis code to support the necessity of a...

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