New ICD-9 diagnosis codes went into effect Oct. 1, 2011. There will be no grace period for Medicare providers. Many commercial carriers are following Medicare, therefore, the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) advises physicians to begin using the new diagnosis codes for all payers.
PAMED has received numerous calls from physicians who are searching for a list of the new codes. There are significant coding changes, especially for some specialties such as dermatology, that physicians need to be aware of. A number of codes also became invalid on Oct. 1.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has posted lists of new, revised, and invalid ICD-9 codes on its website. The new codes should be used for claims submitted with dates of service on or after Oct. 1, 2011.
If you are a PAMED member and have any questions on the new codes, please contact our division of practice economics and payer relations at (800) 228-7823, ext. 2644.