subject: ICD 9 2011: Gear Up for New Fluid Overshot & Seizure Codes [print this page] With less than a month to go for October 1, you must be ready to report the new and changed ICD 9 2011codes. And since CMS has finalized the update, you can get a jump start on the changes.
Add detail to fluid overload
Beginning October 1, you will need to code with a higher degree of specificity when it comes to reporting fluid overload.
The present 276.6 (Fluid overload) category will expand to include 276.61 Transfusion associated circulatory overload and 276.69 other fluid overload.
Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a heart-related condition and is a circulatory overload after transfusion of blood or blood components.
The patient may go through acute respiratory distress, increased blood pressure, pulmonary edema secondary to congestive heart failure, positive fluid balance and the like during or within six hours of transfusion. The just-in code 276.69 includes fluid retention.
Define post-traumatic seizures
Post-traumatic seizures are acute, symptomatic seizures after a head injury. According to the ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee, a unique code for this type of seizure is vital as these patients need to be followed for treatment as well as prognostic and epidemiologic considerations.
Consequence: The creation of 780.33 will further specify this type of seizure. Presently, you must look to the 780.3x (Convulsions) subcategory in order to report a patient's symptoms.
As with other types of seizures, post-traumatic seizures may not take place until weeks or months after the injury, when the seizure may be thought of as a late effect of the head injury. However before you code for a seizure as a late effect, you will require documentation that shows the causal relationship between the present condition/symptom/sign and the underlying etiology.
Bottom line: Rely on documentation to find out whether to also code one of the late effects ICD 9 codes like 907.0 as a secondary diagnosis.
