WELL IT'S HERE..................

The Arrival of ICD-10

For several years, there was so much anticipation for ICD-10 like a roaring lion getting ready to attack. I went to bed about 10:00 PM on September 30, 2015 and work up at 6:00 AM on October 1, 2015 to meet a calm lamb. Not sure if this is the calm before the storm, time will tell. Everyone is just getting started so not sure how it will go.

How to Proceed

So in the mean time, stay calm and forge ahead, you got this! Remember the basics of coding:

• Review the documentation
• Abstract the information needed to select the correct diagnosis and procedure code
• Determine the "reason" for the encounter
• Determine the procedure performed
• Start with the index of the coding book
• Look up the term
• Make notes of the recommended codes 
• Go to the Tabular for ICD or the main part of the CPT book
• Review the codes
• Read all notes, instructions, section guidelines
• Review any additional references such as coding guidelines, Coding Clinic, CPT Assistant or Coder's Desk Reference to select the correct code
• Link the codes correctly
• If applicable, apply modifiers

Sound familiar?

ICD-10-CM Coding Tip

Aftercare visit codes cover situations when the initial treatment of a disease has been performed and the patient requires continued care during the healing or recovery phase, or for the long-term consequences of the disease. The aftercare Z code should not be used if treatment is directed at a current, acute disease. The diagnosis code is to be used in these cases. Exceptions to this rule are codes Z51.0, Encounter for antineoplastic radiation therapy, and codes from subcategory Z51.1, Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The aftercare Z codes should also not be used for aftercare for injuries. For aftercare of an injury, assign the acute injury code with the appropriate 7th character (for subsequent encounter). The aftercare codes are generally first-listed to explain the specific reason for the encounter. An aftercare code may be used as an additional code when some type of aftercare is provided in addition to the reason for admission and no diagnosis code is applicable. Aftercare codes should be used in conjunction with other aftercare codes or diagnosis codes to provide better detail on the specifics of an aftercare encounter visit, unless otherwise directed by the classification. 
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting