Medclaims
2014 DEFINITION STAGE 1 OF MEANINGFUL USE
“The Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs provide financial incentives for the meaningful use of certified EHR technology to improve patient care.”
Click HERE for details.
ICD-10: THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OF DIAGNOSES.
ICD-10 coding will take effect on October 2015. It is described as the VIN (vehicle identification number) of diagnoses. ICD-10 coding is unique to each patient. Therefore, coding ICD-10 is very specific. The codes can range from 3 – 7 characters.
| 1st, 2nd, 3rd Digits | 4th, 5th, 6th Digits | 7th Digit |
|---|---|---|
| 7th Digit | 4th Numeric | 7th Alpha |
| 2nd Numeric | 5th Numeric | |
| 3rd Alphanumeric | 6th Alphanumeric |
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
| Category | Etiology, Anatomic Site, Severity | Injuries & External Causes |
|---|---|---|
| S91 | 322 | D |
| T78 | 01X | A |
| S82 | 62X | D |
Example 1: Laceration, left foot, with foreign body. The ICD-10 code is S91.322A.
Example 2: Anaphylactic reaction due to eating peanuts. The ICD-10 code is T78.01XA.
Example 3: Displaced fracture, lateral malleolus left fibula, subsequent encounter, routine healing. The ICD-10 code is S82.62XD.
Note. If there is an external cause or injury, an “X” will be required in the 5th and 6th digits, when the 5th or 6th digits are not present. Refer to example 3 above.
When coding, it is not recommended to use “Unspecified codes.” It will cause claims to deny as not medically necessary, or delay processing until medical records are received.
The following website will assist you on coding. This website will be as specific as the ICD-10 coding book. https://icd10.pythonanywhere.com/ICD10/default/index
After September 30, 2015 the ICD-9 codes will be obsolete. Claims with dates of service through 9/30/2015 will be billed with ICD-9. Don’t wait until October 2015 to get familiar with ICD-10. I recommend that you attend a related seminar.
COMPUTER ASSISTED CODING – ICD-10 TRANSLATOR
This is a robust ICD-10 translator tool. Click HERE for details.
HOW INSURERS ARE FINDING WAYS TO SHIFT COSTS TO THE SICK
“Health insurance companies are no longer allowed to turn away patients because of their pre-existing conditions or charge them more because of those conditions…” Click HERE for details.
AETNA HEALTH REFORM WEEKLY – WEEK OF AUGUST 18, 2014
“A weekly compilation from Aetna of health care-related developments in Washington, D.C. and state legislatures across the country.” Click HERE for details.
OBESITY AND CANCER
“Radiographic imaging exposes relationship between obesity and cancer” Click HERE for details.
CANCER AND INFLAMMATION.
“Cancer-related inflammation, the seventh hallmark of cancer: links to genetic instability” Click HERE for details.
AETNA’S HEALTH REFORM WEEKLY – WEEK OF AUGUST 11, 2014
“A weekly compilation from Aetna of health care-related developments in Washington, D.C. and state legislatures across the country.” Click HERE for details.
HEALTH TIPS FROM GEHA
“Keeping yourself and your family members healthy begins with choosing a variety of…” Click HERE for details.
TWO INSURERS LAUNCH CALIFORNIA HEALTH RECORDS PORTAL
Blue Shield of California and Anthem Blue Cross have established a partnership to implement “California Integrated Data Exchange.” Click HERE for details.