Dog bite

We have received denial from UHC "ICD-9 diagnosis code including 4th and 5th digit if applicable." What does it mean? We have sent the claim with E906.0. Will you suggest correct code other than E906.0?

re: Dog bite

That code is correct. Was that your primary diagnosis code? If so, I would suggest using another code as primary- such as contusion arm and the E code as secondary.

re: Dog bite

You want to code for the INJURY sustained (open wound? superficial wound? contusion?). When it states "including the 4th of 5th digit, they are indicating you have not coded to the highest level of specificity (ie. coding 250 for diabetes instead of 250.00). The E code is the external cause code and can NEVER be used as a primary diagnosis anyway. Most electronic coding systems would not even let that pass through as a primary. Hope this helps.