A coding tip that will make your ears perk up

This is just one of hundreds examples of changes coming with ICD-10. Every family practice regardless of size should identify a person(s) to be the designated ICD-10 expert. To develop appropriate education, every practice should take the time to recognize areas upon which ICD-10 will have a significant impact. As we get closer to the October 1, 2013, ICD-10 implementation date, take your current encounter form and convert it to ICD-10. The ICD-10 codes published today may not be exactly the same in 2013, but this conversion could be a good tool to show senior leaders in your practice how specific this new coding system can be.

For example, ear wax removal currently has one code. But this will expand to four codes in ICD-10:

Diagnosis: Impacted Cerumen

ICD-9

• 380.4 Impacted cerumen

ICD-10

• H61.20 Impacted cerumen, unspecified ear
• H61.21 Impacted cerumen, right ear
• H61.22 Impacted cerumen, left ear
• H61.23 Impacted cerumen, bilateral