CODING: Take 5 To Get A Jump On How ICD-9 2008 Will Affect You

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps coding professionals and clinicians anticipate changes before they take effect so documentation, charge capture, and software updates can be planned in advance.

Article Sections

1. Introductory overview

   Introduces the upcoming ICD-9-CM 2008 changes and the general areas of diagnostic reporting affected by the preview.

2. Increased specificity for normal pressure hydrocephalus

   Discusses a new ICD-9-CM option related to hydrocephalus terminology and the need to align documentation with more specific reporting.

3. Increased CTO procedure complexity

   Covers a new ICD-9-CM option intended to reflect the added complexity associated with chronic total occlusion procedures.

4. More specific dysphagia codes

   Reviews a group of new ICD-9-CM options related to swallowing studies and the importance of matching physician documentation to greater detail.

5. Malignant ascites reporting

   Summarizes the addition of a more specific ascites reporting option and its placement within the ICD-9-CM classification structure.

6. More specific TIA history code

   Describes a new history-reporting option for prior transient ischemic attack in the context of subsequent diagnostic studies.

7. Preparation and implementation reminders

   Offers general workflow reminders for coding teams, including code list updates and software readiness for the new ICD-9-CM year.