Are you learning how to code congenital anomalies and malformations? Use this activity to supplement your studies as well as learn about a few national health observances recognized in February.
As a medical coding student studying congenital anomalies and malformations, you may be overwhelmed by the many medical terms and anatomy descriptions. As a student, I have experienced that same feeling. One way I supplement my understanding of medical terminology and anatomy is to code monthly national health observances.
Besides learning about medical terminology and anatomy, I have learned that one of the most fundamental skills a medical coder should have is an understanding of chapter-specific guidelines. Doing this exercise gave me a better understanding of those guidelines and instructional notes and it will help you too.
This month's health topics have a few that can be congenital defects. So, we will review Chapter 17: Congenital Malformations, Deformations, and Chromosomal Abnormalities (Q00-Q99), and the chapter-specific guidelines detailed in I.C.17.
This activity will help you learn about a few health observances occurring this month, coding congenital anomalies, and the chapter-specific guidelines associated with each code.
What is a congenital anomaly?
Congenital anomalies are malformations or defects that occur during the fetus's development. Congenital means present at birth. However, these malformations or defects can be discovered before birth and sometimes later in life. A few common congenital defects are congenital heart defects, clubfoot, or cleft lip/palate.
Reviewing Chapter-Specific Guidelines
Let's learn the basics of coding from Chapter 17 by reviewing the chapter-specific guidelines in section I.C.17 of your ICD-10 manual. There are not many guidelines for this chapter, but don't be fooled that this means easy coding. Listed below are the main guidelines that you need to know before coding congenital anomalies.
- Codes may be principal/first-listed or secondary diagnosis
- If diagnosed at the time of birth with a congenital abnormality, you must assign the appropriate code from category Z38 as the principal diagnosis followed by the appropriate code from Chapter 17
- Code any present manifestations if there is no appropriate code for a malformation, deformation, or chromosomal abnormality
- Do not code manifestations if there is an appropriate code for the malformation, deformation, or chromosomal abnormality
- Only code manifestations if they are not an inherent component for that malformation, deformation, or chromosomal abnormality
- Assign a personal history code if the congenital malformation, deformation, or chromosomal abnormality has been cured or corrected
- If a congenital malformation, deformation, or chromosomal abnormality is diagnosed later in life, you must still assign the appropriate code from Chapter 17
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
When was the last time you had your vision checked? It's probably been a while. Well, even though it's been a while for me I know with certainty I no longer have 20/20. Staring at computer screens, phones, and tablets definitely affected my eyesight. However, decreasing our screen time and using blue-blocking glasses can help reduce damage to our vision. This month is very important because it encourages early detection through routine eye exams and brings awareness about the effects of vision impairment.
Age-related Macular Degeneration, also known as AMD, and low vision are important health topics observed in February to bring awareness of prevention and treatment. AMD is a disease that affects central vision and usually occurs in people 50 years or older. Low vision usually affects people 40 and older and it causes blurry or poor night vision and blind spots. 20/70 to 20/160 is moderate vision impairment. The most severe vision impairment is 20/200 or more. Even though AMD and low vision occur over a certain age it is still important to be aware of the causes that can impair your eyesight over time. Of course, there are younger people with impairment in their eyesight. This may have been due to injury or trauma, diseases, hereditary, or a congenital malformation.
Let's code a congenital malformation of the eye. One type is known as cystic eyeball also known as congenital cystic eye or CCE. This rare condition occurs when a cyst replaces the eyeball because the primary optic vessel failed to develop correctly during the embryonic stage. This condition is so rare that there have been only 52 reported cases to date.
First, let's search for the main term in the ICD-10 Index to Diseases and Injuries.
Diagnosis: Congenital Cystic Eye
Main term
Cystic
Subterm
eyeball (congenital) Q11.0
Tabular List
Q11.0
Another congenital ocular defect is Rieger's anomaly. Can you code this defect? Challenge yourself and leave a comment of the code below!
National Children's Dental Health Month
This year the theme for National Children's Dental Health Month sponsored by the American Dental Association is Brush, Floss, Smile! Oral health is just as important as your physical health. Neglect may cause gum disease which can contribute to other various diseases such as cardiovascular disease or endocarditis. However, proper oral care and routine dental check-ups can prevent these types of health issues caused by poor dental hygiene. Unfortunately, not all dental problems occur because of negligence or improper care. In some cases, it could be caused by chromosomal abnormalities.
One known dental chromosomal abnormality is ectodermal dysplasia. You're probably wondering, what is ectodermal dysplasia? A great way to discover the meaning of a medical term is by breaking down the word parts.
Ecto - means outer or external. Dermal - the root word for dermal is dermis which means skin or layer of tissue.
Dys - means abnormal or difficult. Plasia - means growth or formation
Ectodermal refers to the outside structures of the body like skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Dysplasia refers to abnormal growth or formation. Ectodermal dysplasia is caused by chromosomal abnormalities that result in the abnormal development of the skin, hair, nails, or teeth. Normally, two or more ectodermal structures are affected. For example, skin and teeth. With teeth, ectodermal dysplasia causes malformed or missing teeth.
So, let's code this rare hereditary disorder!
Diagnosis: Ectodemeral Dysplasia
Main Term
Dysplasia
Subterm
Ectodermal (anhidrotic) (congenital) (heriditary) Q82.4 hydrotic Q82.8
Tabular List
Q82.4 Ectodermal dysplasia (anhidrotic) EXCLUDES1 Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (Q77.6)
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
Besides Valentine's Day, there is another reason why February is known as heart month. During this time national campaigns and group efforts target the importance of heart health. This month-long observance promotes healthy and active lifestyles, preventive measures, and awareness of many cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular disease is a very broad term used to describe diseases or disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. Many people think of heart attack when they think of National Heart Month, but it is so much more than that. Common cardiovascular diseases include peripheral artery disease, heart arrhythmias, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
What are the causes of cardiovascular disease? Depending on the type of disease there could be many factors, but one of the leading risk factors is behavioral. Basically, a lifestyle choice can cause or exacerbate the disease. Such as smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, or high cholesterol. However, this is not always the case. Another cause is those born with heart defects because of a genetic disorder or chromosomal anomaly.
February 7th-14th is the time to acknowledge those born with heart diseases. This is known as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week and February 14th is also known as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day.
Did you know that congenital heart defect is the most common type of birth defect? Fortunately, because of the advancements in the medical field and technology babies born with this defect are living longer lives. A few of the most common heart defects are hypoplastic left heart syndrome, atrial septal defect, and ventricular septal defect.
Let's code ventricular septal defect also known as VSD. VSD is a hole in the heart and in most cases can be cured with surgery.
Diagnosis: Ventricular Septal Defect
Main Term
Defect
Subterm
ventricular septal Q21.0
Tabular List
Q21.0 Ventricular septal defect
VSD is known by another name. Comment below if you know that name!
Choose a chapter-specific guideline to review each day. Comment below if you learned something new or surprising by reading the guidelines for Chapter 17.
Leave a Reply