Why can CMS simply expand the systemic-9-CM procedure coding system to capture new technology?
Hospitals are having increased difficulty using the ICD-9-CM procedure code system. Since there are limited areas for expansion, new codes are sometimes created in different sections of the coding book. This leads to problems for the coders in finding and assigning codes for new technologies. When there are specific procedure codes for new technologies, payers can evaluate whether or not they want to pay for the new technology and evaluate how much the technology costs based on billing data. When there are not specific codes for the new technology, providers do not know if they are in fact paying for the new technology. Hospitals will use existing codes to capture the new technology.
Related Questions
- Are the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) National Code descriptions listed as the brand name or the generic name of the medication?
- What Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code should be used if one cannot be found for the medication that is being administered?
- What Is The ICD-10 Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-CM/PCS)?
