Pathology Coding: Icd-9 2010 Codes Bring In More Specificity

By Author: Angela Martin
Total Articles: 205
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Are you still holding on to generic neuroendocrine cancer codes? If you are, you will lack ICD-9's specificity requirement.
Most of the ICD-9 2010 changes spread out disease subcategories to provide more specific descriptions. It welcomes six new diagnosis codes that describe Merkel cell carcinoma (an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer that tends to grow fast and may metastasize at an early stage). Prior to this, a specific code for Merkel cell was missing. As new codes that provide additional specificity come up, they can certainly be an added bonus to ensure coding accuracy.
The tough part, though, is keeping at pace with these always changing codes and often ambiguous pathology coding, billing and reimbursement situations. This can certainly give pathology coders a run for their money!
To solve your coding dilemmas and ensure you receive the reimbursements that rightfully belong to you in the coming year, an audio conference can be an effective way to help you get there.