Anesthesia Coding: Two New H Codes Will Replace 366.16 Post Icd-10

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October 1, 2013 is fast approaching. But all you anesthesia coders out there, are you geared up for the changes that will have a say in your anesthesia practice?


So when ICD-9 becomes ICD-10 in a couple of years time, the diagnosis codes you are used to reporting will no longer be there. Many diagnosis codes will include more details than their present counterparts, and some sub-codes of the family will even move to different locations.


Here are two commonly used options for nuclear nuclear sclerosis, or nuclear cataract (366.16, Senile nuclear sclerosis).


The difference when ICD-10 goes into effect on October 1, 2013: Diagnosis 366.16 will change to H25.10 (Age-related nuclear cataract, unspecified eye) as the descriptor does not specify which eye the surgeon treated, your physician's notes should include details to help you code right. The anesthesiologist might not include modifier LT (Left side) or RT (Right side), however will often note whether the surgeon treated a right or left cataract.


Word of caution: Some coders presently submit 366.9 ...
... (Unspecified cataract) in place of gleaning the details required for more spot on reporting. ICD-10 will also change that diagnosis to H26.9 (Unspecified cataract). Take note that the 'unspecified' option will be in a different code family (H26.x versus H25x); as such be prepared to dig deeper for the best choice. Always urge your anesthesia coding alerts providers to document clearly whatever procedure the surgeon carries out, however, so you can code right and hopefully avoid 'unspecified' diagnoses.


For further information on the ICD-10 changes and how it will impact your anesthesia coding practice, sign up for a coding resource like the Coding Institute where you will have access to an entire spectrum of specialty articles to assist your coding.