Get ready for ICD-10 updates, radiology

When a new crop of diagnosis codes takes root on Oct. 1, radiologists will find all sorts of new wrinkles to keep up with—or at least be aware of. These include, for example, seven new codes for gastrointestinal stromal tumors alone.

In an Aug. 29 post on the ICD-10 Monitor blog, Panacea Healthcare coding consultant Donna Richmond lays out more to look for and offers some sound suggestions.

“While radiologists do not necessarily need to learn the ICD-10-CM codes, they must be cognizant of the requirements for diagnosis coding,” Richmond writes. “Radiologists, radiology practices and radiology departments must work together and with the ordering physicians to obtain the most specific clinical indications possible.”

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Dave Pearson

Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.

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