ICD-9-CM Code Updates for Home Health

FY2012 ICD-9-CM code updates are right around the corner!

There are 166 new codes this year, 168 revisions and 88 deleted codes for 2012. This will be the last year for ICD-9-CM code updates as next year there will be a freeze to help prepare for ICD-10.

Many of the new ICD-9-CM codes will affect home health this year including:

• 40 new codes for malignant skin neoplasms, allowing coders to be more specific
• New code for infection of cystostomy
• New dementia codes
• Many new V codes for home health

These changes will go into effect on October 1, 2011.  Be sure to keep your coders educated on these new updates or your claims will be denied.

Having Trouble With Rejected Claims?  We Can Help. 

Coding is one of the greatest drains on home health agencies. It takes up valuable time and requires highly skilled employees that are often hard to find and even harder to keep.

HEALTHCAREfirst’s certified home health coding experts help relieve the administrative and technical burdens of in-house coding at a highly competitive price. Their sole focus is on home health coding and they receive continual education on regulations, rules and best practices. As a result of this experience and education, you will have fewer denied and rejected claims, allowing you to get paid more quickly and accurately.

For more information about HEALTHCAREfirst‘s Coding Services click here or call us at 800.841.6095