Advanced Search

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

Look to 'Artificial Menopause' for Estrogen Withdrawal

Published on Tue Oct 10, 2006

Question: A patient who had a hysterectomy earlier this year reported to the ED for treatment. The op notes indicate that the patient was suffering from -estrogen withdrawal with menopausal symptoms.- The physician performed a level-three evaluation and management service on the patient. Which diagnosis code(s) should I use on the claim?


Nebraska Subscriber


Answer: You should report a pair of ICD-9 codes for the encounter -- one for the patient's chief complaint, and another to show she is a hysterectomy patient.

On the claim,

- report 99283 (Emergency department visit for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires these three key components: an expanded problem-focused history; an expanded problem-focused examination; and medical decision-making of moderate complexity) for the E/M service.

- attach 627.4 (Symptomatic states associated with artificial menopause) to 99283 to represent the patient's estrogen withdrawal.

- attach V45.77 (Acquired absence of organ; genital organs) to 99283 to signify that the patient had a hysterectomy.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

View All