subject: Boost Your Seizure And Cognitive Testing Coding [print this page] You may be so engrossed about the ICD-10 codes changes that you may overlook the ICD-9 2011 coding changes. Dont overlook these changes that may affect how your neurology practice uses cognition codes this year. Read on and stay ahead of the curve:
724.03 brings in more detail into EMG testing
This time the ICD-9 changes expand disease subcategories to provide more specific descriptions. For coders on the look out to provide more accurate claims, new diagnosis codes that provide additional specificity can certainly be considered a positive thing.
One example is the new code 724.03.
Neurologists may carry out diagnostic neuromuscular electrodiagnostic tests to figure out whether the symptoms in a patients extremities can be classified as neurogenic claudication owing to stenosis.
At present, ICD-9 doesnt include a specific diagnosis for neurogenic claudication. Till October 1, you will need to discuss the case with your doctor to get a better understanding of the condition so that you can select the most accurate diagnosis.
Neurologists would most probably need to settle on reporting the patients neurogenci claudication symptoms, which may cover thigh or leg pain that would be described as an intermittent, cramping, and diffuse radiation pain with associated paresthesias.
This would lead to burning, tingling, numbness and potentially even muscle weakness.
The problem: As is the case often, patients symptoms can be owing to different conditions. During the time of evaluation, your neurologist may be able to differentiate between neurogenic claudication and vascular claudication as the source of the patients complaints.
The new ICD 9 codes for 2011 offer a more specific diagnosis thatll allow differentiation between the two types of claudication. There was no good way to code this often-documented diagnosis previously other than to capture only the lumbar spinal stenosis.
