Pediatric Coding: A Simple Guide

Pediatric coding can be uniquely complex and lead to costly claim denials if not done right. The requirements for coding pediatric patient visits differ greatly from those for adult patients. Specific codes are based on chronological age, health maintenance exams, and developmental milestones. Additionally, certain conditions manifest differently in pediatric patients.

Without a solid understanding of pediatric coding guidelines, a medical practice has the risk of leaving thousands of dollars on the table from underpaid or denied claims. Pediatric clinics struggle with using adult codes incorrectly on babies or young children and capturing well-child visit services and vaccinations. There are specific strategies and best practices to simplify the process, avoid these common pediatric medical coding mistakes, and ensure your practice captures maximum reimbursement for services provided.

Today’s post will cover the key guidelines for accurately coding pediatric patient visits. By following these pediatric medical coding best practices, your medical practice can reduce denials and improve reimbursement rates.

Pediatric Coding

Pediatric coding follows unique guidelines depending on the age of the patient. It is crucial to code pediatric services based on the child’s chronological age, not developmental age. Newborn care codes are used for admission, discharge services, and other care provided during the birth hospitalization for newborns under 28 days old.

CPT code 99460 is used to bill for initial hospital or birthing center newborn care. This includes the admission history and exam, typically billed once per newborn. CPT 99461 is used for subsequent hospital or birthing center care. This can be billed once daily for days 2-5 when the newborn remains in the facility.

After the newborn period, follow general pediatric coding guidelines based on the child’s age. Use appropriate CPT codes for health maintenance exams, screenings, and immunizations for infants under one year old. It is important to capture all services provided.

From ages 1-4, bill routine pediatric visits with preventative medicine codes by age group. Also, use codes for cognitive services, developmental milestones, and assessments. From age five and up, more condition-specific examination codes are used. However, well-child visit codes are used for comprehensive exams.

Having separate guidelines for newborns versus general pediatrics is where many practices make coding mistakes. So, it is imperative to understand the distinctions.

Pediatric Coding Guidelines

Know the Documentation Needed for Pediatric Visits

Having complete documentation ensures coders can select the most accurate CPT and diagnosis codes for the complexity and time of the pediatric visit. It also justifies if the payer questions billing for certain services.

Thorough documentation is key to supporting the codes billed for pediatric services. Here’s what physicians should include:

• Detailed history and description of physical exam pertinent to the child’s age
• Any counseling, screenings, procedures, or immunizations provided
• Discuss medical necessity for additional tests or extended services
• Chronic conditions should list status, management, and compliance
• For sick visits, include a review of systems and treatment plan

Use Pediatric-Specific ICD-10 Codes Properly

ICD-10 codes have many nuances when reporting diagnoses for pediatric patients. Coders need to understand special coding conventions for certain conditions originating in childhood.

Any condition that arises during birth or the perinatal period should be coded with Chapter 16 codes (P00-P96). This includes conditions such as:

• Birth trauma
• Respiratory distress syndrome arising during delivery
• Congenital infections
• Metabolic disorders in the newborn period

Always link the appropriate Chapter 16 code with other condition codes originating perinatally.

Some ICD-10 codes for pediatric conditions have distinct codes depending on the right or left side of the body affected. These include disorders such as:

• Scoliosis
• Hip dislocations
• Upper limb reductions

Be sure to select the proper code indicating correct laterality. Having the specific side documented will assist in identifying the right code.

There are ICD-10 Z codes specifically for reporting health maintenance exams, immunizations, screenings, and other pediatric preventive services:

• Z00.11 Encounter for hearing examination following failed hearing screening
• Z13.4 Encounter for screening for developmental disorders in childhood
• Z23 Encounter for immunization

Using these and other pediatric-specific Z codes ensures complete capture of well-child services.

Leverage Coding Tools and Resources

Accurate pediatric medical coding requires the right resources to assist in code selection and billing compliance. Here are some valuable tools coders should leverage:

• Pediatric Coding Dictionaries

Coding dictionaries can be enormously helpful for looking up the right codes and modifiers for pediatric patients based on age, services, and diagnoses. They provide code descriptions, tips, crosswalks, and other guidance.

• AAP Guidance

Guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics is the authority standard on coding for pediatric care and well-child services. Refer to AAP coding publications for details like preventive medicine services by age group, immunization administration codes, and documentation requirements.

• Payer Guidelines

Review the billing and coding guidelines provided by major pediatric insurance payers like Medicaid and CHIP. They offer direction on covered services, required documentation, proper modifier usage, and code combinations expected.

• Pediatric Coding Specialist

Engaging an expert pediatric medical coding specialist for complex cases or when unsure of code selection can ensure accuracy and optimize reimbursement. Relying on robust tools and resources will help simplify pediatric coding, prevent errors, and maximize reimbursement for children’s health services.

See Also: Decoding Hospice Modifier GW: Maximizing Reimbursement

Conclusion

Pediatric coding requires a specialized approach to accurately capture the services provided for babies, children, and adolescents. Following the abovementioned strategies can simplify the process while avoiding common coding mistakes. While pediatric coding may seem complex, taking the time to code accurately is critical. Under-coding or incorrect codes can lead to costly claim denials and lost revenue for your practice.

Precision Hub employs experienced coding specialists to pay your claims quickly and accurately if your practice requires additional support to maximize reimbursement. Our medical billing team at Precision Hub has extensive experience ensuring accurate coding and prompt reimbursement. We can help your practice reduce coding errors, prevent denials, and maximize reimbursement. Contact us today to learn more about how we can optimize your practice’s revenue cycle.