subject: Three Icd 9 Insights To Rectify Your Old School Thinking [print this page] Getting the same podiatry denials all the time? Whether the dollar amount in question is large or small, it might be time to review your ICD-9 coding practices.
The solution to your problem may be as simple as reminding yourself of these three important insights when reporting ICD 9 codes.
Be careful of your CPT/ICD-9 combos
For one, you might be guilty of listing wrong CPT/ICD-9 code combinations on the claim form. If patients have more than one condition, obviously various ICD 9 codes would be required. The catch: Each individual CPT code must correctly align with a right ICD-9 code.
Stick to important ICD 9 codes only
The more diagnosis codes you list, the more the payer might get confused.
Stay up to date on the code changes
Most probably the most practical thing to do is to ensure that the CPT codes and ICD 9 codes are valid during the time of service. Medicare will no longer offer a grace period for changes in ICD 9 codes. It is important to stay on top of new coding changes. As there may be more than one way to list a certain diagnosis, you should check with the carrier about which codes it allows. You may have your procedure codes documented and proven medically necessary, however if you go for the wrong code, it is useless as the payer will surely deny your claim.
Likewise, sort through your E/M
Reporting E/M codes right is just as vital listing the right ICD 9 codes and just as confusing to some people. One specific problem that has often come up is in the use of modifier 25. The trick is to only use the modifier 25 on the E/M service when carrying out an E/M service and a procedure on the same day.
