Sample Question from Medicare Compliance for Clinical Laboratories, presented by MediaLab

Billing: Coding

ICD-9CM coding

ICD-9CM (International Classification of Disease, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification) codes are used for the classification of disease and conditions and for describing signs, symptoms and medical circumstances.
These codes are used to indicate the medical necessity of a particular test.
ICD-9 codes can only be supplied by the ordering physician or a representative of that physician.
- "Code steering" means to steer or direct a physician to supply an ICD-9 code that is payable.
- ICD-9 codes cannot be used from a previous laboratory order.
If a physician supplies a narrative description instead of an ICD-9 code the laboratory must accurately translate that code using only certified coders.
It is against the law to use the wrong ICD-9 code for the purpose of causing or increasing payment for a test.

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