ICD-9 Coding Overview (Part 4 of 4)

Coding By Builder

This ICD-9 coding tutorial, titled “Use of the ICD Book,” is the fourth medical coding video in a four-part series from Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA). Learn the basic steps on how to use the ICD-9-CM code book with instructions and a hands-on coding example.

The codes contained in the ICD-9 code book have between three and five digits. The three-digit codes are called category codes. Two additional digits may be added for specificity to provide more detail about a disease.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR ACCURATE ICD-9 CODING:
Step 1 — Look up the disease by using the alphabetical index in Volume 2 of your ICD-9-CM code book. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, check your medical dictionary. Make sure to find the main term for the disease and then find the corresponding disorder in the indented information below the main term. If the term is followed by “see condition,” then look up the name of the corresponding condition in the index.

Step 2 — Turn to the guidelines for that code category, which is the first three digits of the code suggested in the alphabetical index, to select the appropriate code(s) in the correct order.

Step 3 — Find the suggested code in the Tabular List in Volume 1 by locating the three-digit category code. Read the notes under the category code and look out for mandatory fourth and/or fifth digits that may be needed to correctly code. Locate the code in the tabular list and review the code description to make sure it matches the written description. Check for notes regarding any excluded conditions. Then, if necessary, include fourth or fifth digits. Ensure the code is correct for the age and sex of the patient. Enter the final code selection. If the description in the tabular listing doesn’t match or is excluded, return to the alphabetical index and continue researching other possible selections.

Please note that there are times when a provider cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. The provider may indicate he or she is attempting to rule out a certain condition, or that the condition is probable, suspect, possible, suspicious of or indicative of a specific diagnosis. However, it is never appropriate to use this diagnosis for payment purposes. These situations warrant ICD-9 coding of each specific sign and/or symptom. Signs and symptoms are coded by using the same three steps.

Practice what you’ve learned by using your ICD-9-CM code book to complete the example provided in the video. The steps listed here should apply to your current ICD-9-CM code book and future editions; however, it is up to students to stay current with any updates. Make sure you’re comfortable with your ICD-9-CM code book, as it will be your constant companion in this course and throughout your medical billing and coding career.

SIMILAR MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING VIDEOS
The UMA medical billing and coding tutorial you are currently watching is part of the four-part ICD-9 coding series, which includes the following videos:
• An Overview of ICD-9 Coding (Video 1 of 4) — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vqdFANk60M&feature=related
• An Overview of ICD-9 Coding (Video 2 of 4) — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk1YLAO8Z-c&list=PLCCEEA8E329FC8893&index=2&feature=plpp_video
• An Overview of ICD-9 Coding (Video 3 of 4) — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUWOi4wbgtQ&list=PLCCEEA8E329FC8893&index=3&feature=plpp_video
• An Overview of ICD-9 Coding (Video 4 of 4) — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C31X2IhCzyE&list=PLCCEEA8E329FC8893&index=4&feature=plpp_video

ADDITIONAL UMA MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING VIDEOS
Looking for hands-on medical billing and coding training? If you’re interested in pursuing your medical billing and coding career aspirations, you may also want to review this Ultimate Medical Academy video and program information:

UMA’S MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING PROGRAMS
• Medical Billing and Coding Training — http://www.ultimatemedical.edu/programs/medical-billing-and-coding
• Medical Billing and Coding Degree — http://www.ultimatemedical.edu/programs/medical-billing-and-coding-degree
• Medical Billing and Coding Diploma — http://www.ultimatemedical.edu/programs/medical-billing-and-coding-diploma
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