Many people get confused about the different types of medical codes and how and when to use them. Here is a quick reference to determine the difference between ICD-9-CM and CPT medical codes:

ICD-9-CM
The International Classification of Diseases, known as ICD, is the most widely used statistical classification system in the world. It is published by the World Health Organization.

The International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification, or ICD-9-CM, includes the code used to describe the condition or disease being treated, also known as the diagnosis. Using this system, a specific code is assigned to the diagnosis of the condition or disease being treated.

These codes classify mortality data from death certificates and morbidity (illnesses and injury) data from patient records, physician offices, and most National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) surveys.

CPT
The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set is maintained by the American Medical Association through the CPT Editorial Panel.

CPT is the code used to describe medical services and procedures performed by doctors for a particular diagnosis. The CPT code set accurately describes medical, surgical, and diagnostic services performed by physicians. Its purpose is to provide a uniform method of communicating between doctors, insurance companies and patients.

These codes are the most widely-accepted medical codes used to report medical procedures and services under public and private health insurance programs. It is commonly used in Medicare and Medicaid.

Bottom line: Both CPT and ICD-9 codes are needed when assigning codes and billing health insurance companies.

Labels: CPT Codes, ICD-9, Medical Coding, Medical Coding Course

Posted by Heather Brunson @ 12:18 PM • 0 comments