The human body is full of surprises and mysteries. No two human bodies respond to an external factor in exact same manner. Therefore, the medical field has to be on a constant alert about what is new regarding the challenges faced by physicians across the globe. When a similar pattern of symptoms are documented in a large number of cases, research is conducted and a name is given to it. Since 1979, when ICD-9 was implemented, there have been hundreds of such symptoms, diagnoses and their treatments which have been created. All these known additions have been included into ICD-10.
One such much needed addition is the code M79.7, for Fibromyalgia Syndrome. More than 12 million Americans are believed to have Fibromyalgia Syndrome, prominent amongst women between the ages 25-60. Symptoms for are Fibromyalgia are abdominal pain, chronic headaches, dryness in eyes, nose and mouth, hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat, inability to concentrate, incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome, numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet, stiffness.
The blood test, FM/a, is used to check whether a patient has Fibromyalgia. However, since the test costs around $700, not all patients agree to opt in for it. Thus doctors have to make assumptions on the basis of physical exams and medical history. Surprisingly, there isn’t a fully trusted cure for Fibromyalgia. Physicians mostly tend to provide prescriptions on the basis of symptoms.
Since fibromyalgia ICD-9 did not have a specific code, the code 729.1 for Myalgia and Myositis was used to signify it. Before ICD-10 came into the picture, physicians had a very controversial opinion about Fibromyalgia. Now, since there is a designated code for it; even the ones having a contradictory view will have to consider it as a disease. Not only the doctors, but the payors must to approve of it too.
It’s notable how a simple code can make a difference. The story does not end here. Since it’s now recognized, we can soon hope to see more research on the same. For help with your icd 10 for fibromyalgia, get in touch with us: info@medconverge.com.
