I would love to hear any input about DSM 5, especially as the changes pertain to autism spectrum disorder/Aspergers, in order to be able to research and to speak more intelligently about it from a coding perspective. Many parents are very frightened that they will not be able to have insurance coverage if their children do not meet the very limited definition of autism.
Am I correct in my belief that the changes coming with ICD-10-CM in part necessitated the changes to the DSM? I have been helping a few parents with submitting their own insurance paperwork (many providers will not file insurance), and would love to hear any insight about these changes and how they might impact medical coding.
By the way, an important Hearing was held (for the first time in over ten years) last week in Washington regarding the federal response to the increase in autism. If anyone is interested, here is a link to a recap of the hearing: http://www.thinkingautismguide.com
Thanks!
I'm glad to see a discussion on here about these major changes and what they will and won't mean. There are some excellent articles out there on this important topic. You are welcome to put links here to some of them if you want. As with anything, it will take time for what it all means to be sorted out. What we do know at this point is the coding will be more specific.
Linda Andrews, Director
The Andrews School www.andrewsschool.com
Thank you, Linda.
Here's one article I read that I thought was interesting.
DSM-5: Psychiatrists OK Vast Changes To Diagnosis Manual
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/01/dsm-5-psychiatrists-ok-va_n_2224507.html?ir=Healthy+Living
This article doesn't touch on coding, but seems to offer some reassurance to those facing the changes on a personal/family level. No doubt there's more to come, relevant to our (coding) interests...
best
http://www.snagglebox.com/2012/06/diagnostic-criteria-dsm-5-changes.html