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An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Billing/Coding

2013–A Whole New World

David G. Borenstein, MD  |  

ICD-10 will change the coding and billing landscape, and practices should start preparing now

ICD-10 from a Coder’s Perspective

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For the past 30 years, coders have used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) to identify and report diseases, signs, and symptoms as well as to measure morbidity and mortality in the United States. In general, coders identify ICD-9 as the heartbeat of reimbursement for medical procedures because this is what drives medical necessity.

ICD-9 Freeze and ICD-10 Code Update

By Antanya Chung, CPC, CPC-I, CRHC, CCP  |  

Each year as a part of normal coding process, diagnostic codes are updated to reflect revised, new, and deleted codes through the CMS ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee. Diagnostic code changes and updates are based on information from vendors, physicians, or other health professionals that demonstrate a current code does not adequately describe a disease, sign, or symptom—or simply that the code is no longer appropriate for use.