subject: Get ICD-9 2011 updates in an audio conference [print this page] The ICD 9 2011 codes have just gone into effect. This year, there are new congenital malformation, fecal incontinence, and body mass index diagnosis codes, which you will have to learn. You can save yourself the trouble of scouring the full ICD 9 2011 codes list and focus on this rundown that may have an impact on your gastroenterology practice.
Turn to new secondary diagnosis codes
The first set of codes that you may use in gastroenterology is actually V codes, which are V13.67, V88.11, and V88.12.
These codes are for information only and you should use them as secondary diagnosis codes associated with visits.
Just-in fecal-related codes add specific details
You will also find that ICD 9 2011 adds specificity to fecal-related diagnoses with four new codes.
Add BMI V codes to your armory
ICD 9 2011 has expanded the body mass index (BMI) codes to demonstrate higher BMIs with five new codes. The present ICD-9 codes for BMI reporting are listed from V85.0 to V85.4 and provide specific 5th-digit codes for exact coding of the patient's BMI. The previous defintion of V85.4 was "BMI 40 and over." With the upcoming changes, it'll be possible to be more specific in reporting the BMI for the extremely obese patient.
Now you will no longer need to use V85.4; instead you will start using one of the new V codes in its place.
The advantage: BMI has become an important health tool and those codes will also provide more data. There are seven important signs that count for the constitutional bullet in the E/M physical exam coding and there are those who are of the opinion that BMI should be an eighth option.
For all gastroenterology coding update and for all ICD-9 2011 information, sign up for an audio conference. Even if you miss out on one, you can always fall back on CDs and PDF transcripts to take you through the entire event.
