According to the editorial, workers’ comp participants use ICD-9 codes to compare the quality of medical care for different providers. The problem is that the data can be confusing. For example, if a worker has co-morbidities, some state workers’ comp systems may require treatment of those unrelated conditions under the workers’ comp claim, skewing the data analysis. When analysts must choose between several codes, experts vary on which one they should pick: some advice choosing the code for the initial injury, while others suggest the code associated with the claims’ most expensive issue.
Workers’ comp data analysis may be further complicated by the impending launch of ICD-10 codes, which expands diagnosis codes from 13,500 to 69,000 and procedure codes from 4,000 to 72,000, the editorial suggested. While workers’ comp is not covered by HIPAA, the editorial author said the change will likely impact the workers’ comp system.
Read the editorial in Risk & Insurance on workers’ comp codes.
Read more on coding:
–15 Statistics About Coder Salaries Based on Credential
–New CPT 2011 Corrections Include Change to Surgery Section
–CMS Adjusts 2011 Medicare Conversion Factor for Physician Fees
