Tips for Utilizing ICD-10-CM – June 2018
AAOSNow
by Sarah Wiskerchen, MBA, CPC
In May 2015, most orthopaedic surgeons and their staff were highly focused on learning the new diagnostic language of ICD-10-CM (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision, Clinical Modification). That’s because the new diagnosis codes were scheduled to replace ICD-9-CM in October 2015. Three years later, practices are still learning how to utilize the ICD-10-CM code set to support the services they perform. This article outlines five important tips to aid physicians and coders in selecting the appropriate ICD-10-CM codes.
No. 1: Injury codes
Do use chapter 19 injury codes when the documentation states that an injury occurred. Don’t assign pain diagnoses to every orthopaedic claim.