What you don't know about ICD-9-CM Official Coding Guidelines can hurt you

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps coders understand where ICD-9-CM guideline updates come from, when they are released, and why they can affect everyday coding decisions. It is relevant to physician practices, coding educators, and anyone responsible for keeping ICD-9-CM reference materials current.

Article Sections

1. Overview of ICD-9-CM Official Coding Guidelines

   Introduces the purpose of the guidelines and their relationship to ICD-9-CM coding resources. It also describes why many physician coders need to pay closer attention to guideline updates.

2. How the guidelines are developed and published

   Describes the organizations involved in creating the guidelines and how they are presented in code books and related reference materials. It notes the timing difference between annual guideline finalization and printed code books.

3. Examples of guideline updates in the 2008 season

   Summarizes the article’s discussion of new or revised ICD-9-CM guideline topics introduced for that update cycle. The section focuses on broad categories of guideline content rather than detailed coding direction.

4. Keeping reference materials current

   Explains general steps coders may take to review, annotate, and share guideline updates in practice settings. It emphasizes staying informed through available online resources and office communication.

5. Author and organization information

   Provides background on the author and the professional organization associated with the article. It also identifies the certifications and educational role referenced in the closing information.