With 2019 approaching, there has been a buzz about new medical billing codes. The year 2018 has been hectic for medical and healthcare industry professionals as ICD-10-CM codes introduced nearly 500 changes, 33 of them in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as in several other specialties. So, what’s new to expect in 2019 OB-GYN ICD 10 Coding? The 2019 ICD-10 adds a code for maternal depression screening, i.e., Z13.32, and two for personal history of sexual exploitation, Z62.813 and Z91.42.
More than a dozen new codes for multiple-gestation pregnancies, the O30 series, have been added. Five of the added codes—the Q51 series — cover doubling of the uterus, including complete, partial, unspecified, and other. Understanding and documentation are required to ensure that denials don’t happen. Staying on top of the new and revised ICD-10 codes coming Oct. 1 should be a priority for your OB-gyn practice.
New Codes Introduced for OB-GYN are:
O30.1 Triplet pregnancy
- O30.13 – Triplet pregnancy, tri chorionic/tri amniotic
- O30.131 – Triplet pregnancy, tri chorionic/tri amniotic, first trimester
- O30.132 – Triplet pregnancy, tri chorionic/tri amniotic, second trimester
- O30.133 – Triplet pregnancy, tri chorionic/tri amniotic, third trimester
- O30.139 – Triplet pregnancy, tri chorionic/tri amniotic, unspecified trimester
O30.2 Quadruplet pregnancy
- O30.23 – Quadruplet pregnancy, Quadra chorionic/Quadra-amniotic
- O30.231 – Quadruplet pregnancy, Quadra chorionic/Quadra-amniotic, first trimester
- O30.232 – Quadruplet pregnancy, Quadra chorionic/Quadra-amniotic, second trimester
- O30.233 – Quadruplet pregnancy, Quadra chorionic/Quadra-amniotic, third trimester
- O30.239 – Quadruplet pregnancy, Quadra chorionic/Quadra-amniotic, unspecified trimester
O30.8 Other specified multiple gestations
O30.83 – Other specified multiple gestations, number of chorions, and amnions are both equal to the number of fetuses
Legacy AR, or Accounts Receivable, refers to accumulating unpaid claims and balances that remain outstanding over time. Managing legacy AR is critical for medical practices, especially in the OB-GYN field, as it directly impacts cash flow and financial stability. Addressing legacy AR involves regular audits, timely follow-ups, and employing efficient billing processes to ensure claims are paid promptly. By staying on top of legacy AR, practices can reduce financial strain and focus more on providing quality patient care.
New Codes for Surgical Wound Infections
There are a whole lot of new codes available for obstetric surgical wound infections. With the latest coding changes in wound infections, you’ll find that there are now individual codes for deep incision sites, sepsis, organ and space sites, incisional sites, unspecified, and others. If you don’t add the additional character needed to provide detailed information about the wound sites, the payer will not be able to accept the code, and the chances of denial are huge.
Let MBC Help You Avoid Claim Denials:
Let MBC help you avoid claim denials and potential paybacks. With MBC’s Ob-Gyn Medical Billing and Coding partner, you’ll stay on top of the latest ICD-10 and HCPCS code changes, as well as revisions to ob-gyn coding guidelines, payer policies, CCI bundles, payer policies, modifiers, and much more.
MBC’s updated guidance, delivered monthly, will equip you to keep pace with industry updates and conquer the myriad revenue-risking challenges that complicate your work.
FAQs:
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What are the significant changes in the 2019 OB-GYN ICD-10 coding?
- Answer: The 2019 OB-GYN ICD-10 coding includes new codes for maternal depression screening (Z13.32) and personal history of sexual exploitation (Z62.813 and Z91.42). Additionally, over a dozen new codes for multiple-gestation pregnancies, such as the O30 and Q51 series, cover scenarios like triplet and quadruplet pregnancies.
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How will the new OB-GYN ICD-10 codes affect medical billing?
- Answer: The new codes require accurate understanding and documentation to prevent claim denials. Proper usage of these codes ensures smooth billing processes and timely payments. To maintain compliance and avoid financial losses, practices must stay updated with the latest coding changes.
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Why is it important to stay updated with ICD-10 coding changes in OB-GYN?
- Answer: Staying updated with ICD-10 coding changes is crucial for OB-GYN practices to avoid claim denials and potential paybacks. Updated coding ensures accurate billing, which helps maintain steady revenue flow and reduces the risk of financial instability. It also ensures compliance with current healthcare regulations.
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What are some examples of the new OB-GYN ICD-10 codes introduced in 2019?
- Answer: Examples of new codes include:
- O30.13: Triplet pregnancy, tri chorionic/tri amniotic
- O30.131: Triplet pregnancy, tri chorionic/tri amniotic, first trimester
- O30.23: Quadruplet pregnancy, Quadra chorionic/Quadra-amniotic
- O30.231: Quadruplet pregnancy, Quadra chorionic/Quadra-amniotic, first trimester
- O30.8: Other specified multiple gestations
- Answer: Examples of new codes include:
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How can MBC help with the new OB-GYN ICD-10 coding changes?
- Answer: MBC can help you avoid claim denials and potential paybacks by providing up-to-date guidance on the latest ICD-10 and HCPCS code changes. With MBC’s OB-GYN Medical Billing and Coding partner, you will stay informed about revisions to OB-GYN coding guidelines, payer policies, CCI bundles, and more. This assistance equips your practice to keep pace with industry updates and manage revenue-risking challenges effectively.
