ICD-10 Prep: Get to Know How Eye Infection, Strep Diagnoses Will Change in 2013

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps practices prepare for a coding transition that affects everyday diagnosis reporting and documentation habits. Understanding the scope of these changes supports cleaner superbill design, better physician documentation, and more accurate claim submission during the ICD-10 shift.

Article Sections

1. Nail Down These Upcoming Eye Infection Coding Changes

   Introduces upcoming diagnosis coding changes for conjunctivitis and related eye infection reporting under ICD-10. The section focuses on broad documentation and specificity issues tied to eye involvement.

2. Documentation

   Discusses the documentation information needed to support more specific eye infection coding. It emphasizes capturing anatomical detail already present in the record.

3. Coder Tips

   Provides general workflow guidance for preparing superbills and prompting providers to capture needed diagnosis details. The section addresses how practices can organize their coding tools around the new framework.

4. Important

   Highlights an implementation concern related to eye infection coding specificity and training. The section underscores the need for consistency in documentation and internal review.

5. Strep Throat Coding Changes Should Be Minimal

   Introduces upcoming diagnosis coding changes for streptococcal throat conditions under ICD-10. The section compares broader prior reporting with more specific distinctions in the newer code set.

6. Documentation

   Explains the documentation and supporting information needed before selecting a strep-related diagnosis code. It focuses on record support and condition specificity.

7. Important

   Notes additional specificity considerations for throat infection reporting under ICD-10. The section centers on distinguishing among related clinical categories in the documentation.

8. Coder tips

   Gives general preparation guidance for updating superbills and informing staff about the upcoming throat infection coding changes. It focuses on administrative readiness rather than detailed coding rules.