and reliable information for over 25 years serve to meet current coding challenges and to function as a solid reference for utilizing valuable legacy ICD-9-CM coded data. Includes these traditional hallmark features plus many more: Highlighted coding instructional and informational notes. Recognize important code usage guidance for specific sections more easily with highlighted notes. Intuitive color-coded symbols and alerts. Identify critical coding and reimbursement issues quickly with alerts, such as Other Specified and Unspecified diagnosis alerts, on the same page as the code you need. AHAs Coding Clinic and official coding guideline tips. Use citations to link to the official coding advice every coder in every health care setting must follow. Additional digit required symbols. Know when an additional fourth or fifth digit is required for code specificity and validity to avoid invalid code submissions (provided in Index and Tabular Section). Valid three-digit code list. See at a glance whether a code is valid for claim submission to prevent denied claims due to invalid code usage. V-code symbols. Understand the appropriate use of V-codes that may only be sequenced as first-listed diagnosis for cleaner claim submissions. Manifestation code alert. Properly use codes that represent manifestations of underlying disease by knowing when two codes are required and by knowing alerts to sequencing rules. Illustrations and definitions. Gain in-depth understanding of anatomy and disease processes in relation to coding with clinically-oriented definitions and illustrations. Age and sex edits. Be aware of which codes have restrictions on use based on age or sex of the patient to prevent claim delays and denials. Hallmark page design and features. Locate information quickly with a user-friendly page design, including dictionary-style headers, Quickflip color bleed tabs, and legend keys. HIPAA compliance. Comply with HIPAA code set requirements to avoid delayed or denied claims and costly fines for violations.

Hide more