Author Topic: Non-specific diagnosis codes  (Read 2461 times)

dermbillerPA

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Non-specific diagnosis codes
« on: March 31, 2014, 05:17:24 PM »
I have a provider that consistently uses non-specified diagnosis codes when there are clearly others that should be used.  I have told them about it and have even given them a list of specific common codes to refer to.  This is a fairly new client and I don't want to alienate if you know what I mean.  Should I just continue as is?  (This is lazy coding and it irritates me!!!!!)  Any suggestions?  Thanks so much.

PMRNC

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Re: Non-specific diagnosis codes
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2014, 05:27:59 PM »
I don't know what you have been doing but usually I mark the claim incomplete, add a note, and then fax them with a reminder the claim is INCOMPLETE. In other words, no shoes, no shirt, no service. No code, no bill, no money. LOL
Linda Walker
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RichardP

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Re: Non-specific diagnosis codes
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2014, 06:21:18 PM »
... consistently uses non-specified diagnosis codes when there are clearly others that should be used.

It might be useful to remember that the doctor's main goal is to heal his patient and get paid for it.  I'm guessing that providing good information to the government so that they can determine "best practices" nationally is probably way down low on the doctor's list of priorities.

Which is to say - if you see a way that coding more correctly will get the doctor more money legally, he will probably listen to what you have to say if you point that out to him.  Otherwise, I would suggest that you just be thankful for the client, and bill what s/he sends you.

By the way - I think the statement of yours that I quoted above is going to be said about many doctors in private practice with regard to ICD-10 coding.

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Non-specific diagnosis codes
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2014, 06:21:18 PM »