New ICD-9 codes for Neoplasms

As we reported in August in another of our news items, a new series of ICD-9 CM codes become effective on October 1, 2011. The majority of changes for ophthalmologists occur in the glaucoma section. However, there are also a series of new diagnosis codes increasing the level of specificity for neoplasms. New codes include:

173.10 Unspecified malignant neoplasm of eyelid, including canthus

173.11 Basal cell carcinoma of eyelid, including canthus

173.12 Squamous cell carcinoma of eyelid, including canthus

173.19 Other specified malignant neoplasm of eyelid, including canthus

All skin neoplasms are reported by site.

New ICD-9 codes require an update to your practice management system and superbill.

Additional information about all the ICD-9 changes can be found at: http://www.cms.gov/ICD9ProviderDiagnosticCodes/07_summarytables.asp#TopOfPage