CapitolCountdown September 30, 2011
New Diagnosis Codes Take Effect
Starting October 1, CalDerm physicians should use a new set of diagnostic codes for neoplasm of the skin. The new ICD-9 codes are in category 173 with existing codes being expanded to the five-digit level to include more specific types of carcinoma. New codes include:
- 173.00 Unspecified malignant neoplasm of skin of lip
- 173.01 Basal cell carcinoma of skin of lip
- 173.02 Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of lip
- 173.09 Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of lip
Below is the list of codes that will no longer be valid. Note that all ICD-9 dermatology codes will now have five digits:
The update comes two years before the full replacement of the ICD-9 codes with the newer ICD-10 codes on November 1, 2013. The newer version of ICD (which is published by the World Health Organization) has 68,000 diagnostic codes compared to the 14,000 used in ICD-9.
Auditing Reference Published
CalDerm members may also find useful the chart below showing what types of auditors may contact you regarding Medicare claims. Starting in 2012, RAC audits will also start for the Medicaid program, the final regulations for which were posted this month.