Diagnostic coding (ICD-10) translates written descriptions of diseases, illnesses, and injuries into codes from a particular classification. In medical classification, diagnosis codes are used as part of the clinical coding process alongside intervention codes.
Diagnosis pointers are used to link the Diagnosis code to a specific CPT/procedure performed.
There are two ways that you can link a Diagnosis code (ICD-10) to a CPT in DrChrono, one on the Billing detail screen and the other through the Schedule calendar. Please follow the steps outlined below.
Option 1: To link a Diagnosis code to a CPT on the Billing detail screen:
1. Hover your cursor on Billing > Live Claims Feed.
2. Select the date of service, and it will take you to the Billing Detail Screen.
3. Enter the ICD-10 codes and CPT/HCPCS codes on the appointment.
4. You will be able to link a maximum of 4 primary Dx codes to one CPT as per CMS guidelines and can use a total of 12 Dx codes on an appointment.
5. To link a Dx code to a particular CPT, enter the position of the Dx on the Dx Pointers field corresponding to that CPT, as mentioned in the screenshot.
Option 2: To link a Diagnosis code to a CPT through a schedule calendar:
1. Navigate to Schedule > Calendar
2. Select the appointment and then select the Billing Tab.
3. Enter the ICD-10 codes and CPT codes on the appointment.
4. To link a Dx code to a particular CPT, enter the position of the Dx on the Dx Pointers field corresponding to that CPT, as mentioned in the screenshot.
5. Select Save.
Limit on diagnosis codes transmitted:
The first 12 diagnoses entered will be transmitted to the payer on the patient's claim. You can enter additional diagnosis codes if they apply; however, only the first 12 will be transmitted.