Question:  I have recently received a memorandum from my carrier stating that I should now use the 739 series ICD-9 codes as opposed to the 839 series. Is this a new CMS policy, and if so, will it have any affect on reimbursement of CMT procedures?

Answer: There is no new CMS policy on this issue; rather, it is a carrier specific requirement. The majority of carriers prefer the 739 ICD-9 series, which describes lesions, as opposed to the 839 ICD-9 series, which describes dislocations. A carrier requiring this as part of its Local Medical Review Policy (LMRP) does nothing in the way of altering reimbursement amounts, and does not in any way affect other guidelines associated with reimbursement of CMT procedures under Medicare.