Tag Archives: 813.46

Orthopedic Coder’s ICD-9 Update: New Radius, Ulna Torus Fracture Codes

Posted on 03. Jul, 2009 by .

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Come Oct. 1, you’ll no longer will you look to 832.0 for nursemaid’s elbow.

Does your orthopedist treat children’s arm problems with regularity? If so, then you may have three new ICD-9 codes to use as of Oct. 1. Take advantage of this sneak peak at the proposed orthopedic additions, and you’ll be ahead of your peers.

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Most of the new codes will offer additional specificity to existing diseases, which can help you code more accurately. Orthopedic coders, however, had hoped for a wider range of codes, says Leslie A. Follebout, CPC, COSC, PCS, coding manager at Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates in Salisbury, Md.

For instance, you may not celebrate the addition of fifth digits to existing codes 274.0 (Gouty arthropathy) and 453.8 (Other venous embolism and thrombosis of other specified veins). You may, however, find some brand-new additions.

Here’s 3 New Codes to Use in Pediatric Cases

If your orthopedist treats pediatric patients for fractures, then you’re used to applying forearm fracture ICD-9 codes. These constitute nearly half of all childhood fractures. ICD-9 2010 may bring you two new torus fracture options: 813.46 (Torus fracture of ulna [alone]) and 813.47 (Torus fracture of radius and ulna).

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141 New ICD-9 Codes Debut for 2010

Posted on 19. May, 2009 by .

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Like a passel of fresh-faced debutantes, the new ICD-9 codes are introducing themselves to coders & billers. And we’re pleased as punch–mostly.

The class of 2010 makes its official debut on Oct. 1, 2009.

CMS will publish the full listing of ICD-9 codes in the May 22 Federal Register, but released the list early, offering a few surprises.

Most of the new codes will offer additional specificity to existing diseases, which can help you code more accurately. “Any time we get diagnosis codes that provide additional specificity, I think that is great,” says Marvel J, Hammer, RN, CPC, CCS-P, PCS, ACS-PM, CHCO of MJH Consulting in Denver.

You’ll find new codes in most categories, ranging from oncology (such as the 209.31-209.36 series, Merkel cell carcinoma) to orthopedics (813.46-813.47, Torus fracture).

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However, orthopedic coders had hoped for a wider range of codes, says Leslie A. Follebout, CPC, COSC, PCS, coding manager at Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates in Salisbury, Md.

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