Chiropractic diagnosis codes for Medicare Bill

Chiropractic billing services for a Medicare patient can seem complicated because of the large number of rules that are specific to the chiropractic profession. In this article we will focus on how Bill diagnosis codes correctly.

For more information about chiropractic, because Medicare covers only for spinal manipulation to correct subluxation, we begin with a diagnosis of subluxation in the first place (primary diagnosis) codes.

On a claim form HCFA this box is21D.

The only "approved" principal diagnosis codes (ICD-9) that Medicare claims will be recognized chiropractic as follows:

- 739.0 injuries Nonallopathic the head region, not elsewhere classified
- 739.1 injuries Nonallopathic cervical spine, not elsewhere classified
- 739.2 injuries Nonallopathic of the thoracic spine, not elsewhere classified
- 739.3 back disorders not elsewhere classified Nonallopathic
- 739.4 injuries NonallopathicSacral region, not elsewhere classified
- 739.5 injuries Nonallopathic basin, not elsewhere classified

A word about terminology. Some chiropractors and books code for these diagnoses, such as subluxations, with segmental dysfunction or similar terms. For example, can be listed as 739.1 Cervical subluxation in some coding books or reference materials. Regardless of how you "name" of diagnosis, these codes in the list above, the codes that apply only primaryChiropractic services in the Medicare program.

The use of these codes does not guarantee repayment, but due to the medical history must record that the criteria for coverage of CMS (document of medical necessity has been met).

A caution here, though. Failure to use these codes in the primary (1. Position) the diagnosis is virtually guaranteed a contradiction!

Also, be sure to use the correct diagnosis codes for billing Medicare for chiropractic claims and that you have takenfirst step and your claim paid!