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Diagnosis Coding for Tick Bites

Question:

Why is it so hard to code for a tick bite? And, how is it coded?

Answer:

The provider searches for the word “tick” and in many systems, up pops W57.xxxA. Someone helpful has changed the ICD-10 definition to include the word tick, although the ICD-10 definition is “Bitten or stung by nonvenomous insect and other nonvenomous arthropods, initial encounter.” A tick is an arthropod.

But, the problem with that is, W57.xxxA is an external cause code. It may not be submitted in the first position on the claim form, and often it is the only code selected by the provider. The first code should be an S code that describes the location of the bite, such as S70.362A “Insect bite (nonvenomous), left thigh, initial encounter.”

So, it isn’t that it is difficult to code for a tick bite, it’s that there are two steps and the super easy, quick search leads providers astray.

Reviewed, Betsy Nicoletti 1/18/2020

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Last revised October 12, 2020 - Betsy
Tags: diagnosis coding, external cause codes, ICD-10

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Our mission is to provide accurate, comprehensive, up-to-date coding information, allowing medical practices to increase revenue, decrease coding denials and reduce compliance risk. That's what coding knowledge can do.

In 1988, CodingIntel.com founder Betsy Nicoletti started a Medical Services Organization for a rural hospital, supporting physician practice. She has been a self-employed consultant since 1998. She estimates that in the last 20 years her audience members number over 28,400 at in person events and webinars. She has had 2,500 meetings with clinical providers and reviewed over 43,000 medical notes. She knows what questions need answers and developed this resource to answer those questions. For more about Betsy visit www.betsynicoletti.com.

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