Which is true about laterality in ICD-10-CM?

Laterality. ICD-10-CM codes indicate laterality, specifying whether the condition occurs on the left, right or is bilateral. If the side is not identified in the medical record, assign the code for the unspecified side.

What are laterality codes?

“Laterality” (side of the body affected) is a new coding convention added to relevant ICD-10 codes to increase specificity. Designated codes for conditions such as fractures, burns, ulcers, and certain neoplasms will require documentation of the side/region of the body where the condition occurs.

What character of the codes in ICD-10-CM indicates laterality?

For bilateral the final character of the code indicates laterality. An unspecified code is provided should the side not be identified in the record. If no bilateral code is provided and the condition is bilateral, assign separate codes for both the left and right sides.

What does unspecified laterality mean?

Some ICD-10-CM codes indicate laterality, specifying whether the condition occurs on the right, left, or is bilateral. If a claim is received with an unspecified code, the claim will reject. You will need to check with the provider to determine which side(s) were affected and submit the claim with the specific code.

What is a laterality diagnosis?

Date Issued: 10/1/2018. According to the ICD-10-CM Manual guidelines, some diagnosis codes indicate laterality, specifying whether the condition occurs on the left or right, or is bilateral. One of the unique attributes to the ICD-10-CM code set is that laterality has been built into code descriptions.

Which character in an ICD-10-CM code indicates laterality for bilateral sites?

For bilateral sites, the final character of the codes in the ICD-10 CM indicates laterality. An unspecified side code is also provided should the side not be identified in the medical record.

Why is laterality important in PCS coding?

To get your claims reimbursed, payers demand that you be as specific as possible with your ICD-10-CM code assignment. Often this means you must identify laterality and accurately adjust your coding to avoid claim denials and payer audits.

Which character in a code indicates laterality for bilateral sites?

What is Laterality medical?

Medical Definition of laterality. : preference in use of homologous parts on one lateral half of the body over those on the other : dominance in function of one of a pair of lateral homologous parts studies of the laterality of individuals in the performance of different tasks— K. C. Garrison.

What does unspecified laterality?

Unspecified laterality primary. Laterality describes which side of a paired organ is the origin of the primary cancer. Each side of a paired organ is considered separately and described as . The side of a paired organ that is the origin of the primary cancer, as represented by a code. Data Element Concept: Person with cancer—laterality of primary .

What is a lateral diagnosis code?

ICD-10: G12.21. Short Description: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Long Description: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This is the 2019 version of the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code G12.21. Valid for Submission. The code G12.21 is valid for submission for HIPAA -covered transactions.