decisionhealth Newsletters, Answer Books - 2009 Issue 1 (January)
Diagnosis Coding / Reporting new ICD-9 diagnosis codes for pain
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Article Overview
This article covers the ICD-9-CM pain diagnosis coding updates effective in November 2006 and discusses the general reporting framework for category 338. It is aimed at coding professionals who need to understand when the pain category applies, how it relates to site-specific pain codes, and what broad situations are excluded or treated differently.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate pain reporting affects diagnosis coding consistency and the ordering of diagnoses on claims and records. The article helps coders recognize the scope of the updated ICD-9-CM pain category and avoid assigning it in situations the guidance excludes.
What You Will Learn
- The purpose of the ICD-9-CM pain category update
- When pain-related diagnosis reporting may be appropriate
- How pain categories relate to site-specific pain diagnoses
- What general situations are excluded from the pain category guidance
- How the article frames reporting by encounter context
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Health information management professionals
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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