Regarded as one of the causes of infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. It affects women during their childbearing years (15-44 years). Reports suggest that PCOS affects about 5-7 million women in the United States. With an objective to draw attention to the challenges of women dealing with PCOS, the month of September is observed as “National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Month” in the United States. This federally designated event aims to spread awareness and education about PCOS among the general public, women, girls, and healthcare professionals.
The campaign stresses the need for a cure, and the need to support those struggling with the emotional, financial, and physical burden of PCOS. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. However, certain factors like – excess insulin, low-grade inflammation and excess androgen may play an active role. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may lower the risk of long-term complications. Medical billing and coding for PCOS can be challenging. Relying on the services of a reputable medical billing company can help gynecologists or infertility specialists with precise documentation of this hormonal disorder.
Sponsored by the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, the 2022 awareness campaign aims to improve the lives of those affected by PCOS and help them deal with their symptoms as well as prevent and reduce their risks for life-threatening related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cancer. PCOS occurs when the ovaries develop numerous small follicles and fail to regularly release eggs. Women with this condition may produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormone (androgen) levels. This hormone imbalance causes them to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.
The campaign urges medical researchers and healthcare professionals to advance their understanding of PCOS in order to research, diagnose, and provide assistance to PCOS patients. Many women have PCOS, but don’t know about it.
In most cases, they start experiencing symptoms around the time of their first period. In certain other cases, women discover that they have PCOS after they have gained considerable amount of weight or experience trouble getting pregnant. Signs and symptoms may vary from one patient to another and may include – irregular menstrual periods, excess androgen and polycystic ovaries. The symptoms may vary significantly if a woman is obese.
Diagnosis may begin with a detailed analysis of symptoms and other medical conditions. A detailed physical examination will be performed to check for symptoms like excess hair growth, insulin resistance and acne. Other additional tests include – pelvic exam, blood tests and ultrasound (to check the appearance and thickness of the lining of uterus).
Treatment for PCOS focuses on managing the symptoms (including infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity) and involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes like – reducing body weight, limiting the intake of carbohydrates and leading an active lifestyle. Gynecologists or infertility specialists who diagnose and administer PCOS treatment procedures must correctly document the same using the right medical codes. Professional coders from experienced medical coding companies ensure that the correct medical codes are reported on the medical claims.
ICD-10 Diagnosis Code For PCOS Include
- E28.2 Polycystic ovarian syndrome
As part of the monthly campaign, a wide range of programs and events are organized to raise awareness and educate the public about PCOS. The other important aspect of PCOS campaign is advocacy. The campaign offers a unique platform to join the conversation to share personal infertility stories or support other women struggling with PCOS.
The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association offers the PCOS Awareness Symposium – presented by PCOS Challenge. This Symposium features world-leading experts on polycystic ovary syndrome and brings together clinicians, researchers, women with PCOS and their supporters for sharing experiences, insights and the latest updates about the condition. Healthcare providers and patients can participate in the campaign in person or through the virtual and live-streamed sessions.
The topics that may be covered in the PCOS Symposium include – PCOS nutrition, exercise and lifestyle management, improving fertility in women with PCOS, creating a PCOS treatment plan, hair and skin treatment options for women with PCOS, integrative care approaches to PCOS and preventing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other complications in women with PCOS.
Join the PCOS campaign in September. Generate public awareness about this hormonal disorder.
