Q: I have a question about coding “unspecified” versus “other specified,” as to whether schizophrenia, multiple episodes, acute exacerbation, is coded as schizophrenia, unspecified. The new ICD-10-CM/PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting do not explain whether paranoid,...Read More »
Q:I’m having problems determining the correct coding guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. Have the guidelines changed regarding COPD and pneumonia? Do you now have to code the pneumonia as a COPD with a lower respiratory infection...Read More »
Q: On pages 139-140 of the 2016 CDI Pocket Guide, the guidance states that code J95.82 should not be assigned when post procedural respiratory failure is attributed by the provider to a preexisting or other underlying condition. It seems like this statement contradicts...Read More »
Editor’s Note: Timothy Brundage, MD, CCDS, medical director of Brundage Medical Group, LLC, in Redington Beach, Florida, presented on the ...Read More »
Q: Does the provider have to say "acute" exacerbation of COPD or just COPD exacerbation?
A: The best way to figure out the required wording is to take a peek into a code book. If we look at the code J44.1 for COPD exacerbation, you see the word “acute” in parentheses. When words within...Read More »
Q: What is the correct procedure code for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy? Our coder coded 0DQ68ZZ, which groups to DRG 326, the same as an esophagectomy. The relative weight (RW) is 5.45. This does not seem right. Could you please clarify?...Read More »
