New ICD-9 codes are effective as of October 1, 2007. If you have not updated diagnosis codes, you are behind the times. You need to determine which ones have been changed or became more specific. These new ICD-9 codes should be incorporated into your encounter form and your practice to ensure you are accurately reporting the medical necessity of the service rendered by your physicians. Nonspecific ICD-9 codes are a major cause of payer denials for "lack of medical necessity for the service rendered".

    New CPT-4 codes were released and effective January 1, 2008. There are numerous CPT code additions, deletions and revisions. Every practice should review the new codes and revisions made in 2008, and incorporate those changes in their practice's encounter form and/or coding system. Inaccurate coding of services rendered or procedures performed can mean loss of revenue for any practice. Worse, it can put your practice at risk in the event of a payer audit.

    Make sure you are up to date for all of the coding changes in 2008. If you have not ordered your new ICD-9 and CPT-4 code book, please do so ASAP. (Check PAHCOM and AAPC corporate vendors for discounts on code books).

    For any specific coding questions, you can email me at hrminc@hrminc.com 

Contact Information

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General Information: hrminc@hrminc.com