There’s a Code for that? 5 Strange ICD-10 Codes
We’ve written quite a bit about the new ICD-10 coding system and the implications it has for your medical practice. Time has flown by and the October 1st deadline is here.
The new ICD-10 system will have over 68,000 billing codes as opposed to the old system that “only” had 13,000 codes. Why so many more?
The new ICD-10 system will have more descriptions and designations for illness and injury than ever before. While this will hopefully provide practices with a more accurate billing process, it also means that there are some pretty eye-catching and bizarre codes for oddly specific incidents. No, we didn’t make these up – these strange ICD-10 codes are the real deal.
Y93.D: Activities involving arts and handcrafts.
Remember second grade with all the glue paste, tiny scissors, and thumb tacks? Perhaps this code was made for the kid in all of us. How could anyone be hurt by felt material and playdough? When there’s kids involved, they’ll find a way – guaranteed.
W61.62XD: Struck by duck, subsequent encounter.
This one is just quackers. Think about it – somehow, somewhere – someone had a run in with a sweet little duck that they would remember for the rest of their lives. Those duck crossing signs must be there for reason. Tell your kids to play nice by the pond and to always carry bread!
Z63.1: Problems in relationship with in-laws.
This one is incredible, not because people have problems with their in-laws, but because there’s a code for it! Whatever happened to keeping things in the family?
X52.XXXA: Prolonged stay in weightless environment.
We’ve all had those dreams where we feel like we can fly and go anywhere we want, but what do you do when you wake up and realize that, yes, you are floating? Apparently there’s a code for that.
V95.42XA: Spacecraft crash injuring occupant, initial encounter
We’re not sure who this code is meant for – us, or you know – them. Perhaps creators of the new ICD-10 system saw the day when our first space visitor would come crash landing onto Earth. We might not have the science to save them, but at least we have a code for that, right?
Cut through the strange and get to the bottom line.
When it comes to medical billing and coding, it can be a complicated mess of letters and numbers. At Concordis, we help medical practices wade through the unfamiliar and get their feet back on solid ground.
:Sources:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/staticpages/icd-10-code-lookup.aspx
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