AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2009 Issue 4; VOLUMES 1 & 2 NEW/REVISED CODES
Temporal Sclerosis
Effective October 1, 2009, a new code 348.81, Temporal sclerosis, has been created to identify temporal sclerosis. Temporal lobe epilepsy, a type of partial (focal) epilepsy, is the most common form of partial epilepsy in adults. It is usually associated with mesial temporal sclerosis and as a result its initiation point can be found in the temporal lobe of the brain. Structures in this region of the brain are particularly prone to both traumatic and hypoxic injuries that cause sclerosis when the hippocampus region of the temporal lobe begins to atrophy and form scar tissue when neurons die...
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Article Overview
This article covers a coding update effective October 1, 2009, involving ICD-9-CM brain-condition classification changes related to temporal sclerosis and closely related terminology. It also provides clinical context for mesial temporal sclerosis, temporal lobe epilepsy, imaging findings, and surgical treatment considerations, along with a brief coding question tied to the topic. The content is relevant to coders, CDI staff, and clinical documentation reviewers who need to understand how the topic is represented in diagnosis coding guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
Because terminology and classification changes can affect diagnosis reporting and record abstraction, this article helps readers recognize the condition, the updated code placement, and the surrounding clinical context used in documentation.
Article Sections
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ICD-9-CM code update and related brain-condition terminology
Covers the code set update effective October 1, 2009 and the broader diagnostic grouping in which the topic is placed. The section also notes related terminology changes within the same category.
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Clinical context for temporal sclerosis and temporal lobe epilepsy
Summarizes the neurologic background, associated findings, and imaging approaches discussed in connection with the condition. It also mentions treatment context at a broad level.
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Coding question
Presents a short scenario used to frame a diagnosis coding question related to the article topic.
What You Will Learn
- How the topic is positioned within ICD-9-CM diagnosis classification
- What broader clinical concepts are discussed alongside temporal sclerosis
- Why the article includes an applied coding scenario
- Which imaging and surgical topics are associated with the condition in the discussion
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation improvement staff
- Health information management professionals
- Physician office staff involved in diagnosis coding
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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