Internal Medicine Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Select E Code for Initial Fall Visit Only
Published on Sun Jan 16, 2011 
PDF
PDF
Question:
New Hampshire Subscriber
Answer:
The HIPAA mandated ICD-9 coding guidelines state that you should assign the appropriate E code for the initial encounter of an injury but not for subsequent treatment. Although you're treating an established patient, this is the first time your physician has seen the patient because of this particular injury. If documentation supports its use, include the appropriate choice from E880-E888 ("Accidental falls") to describe the reason for falling.Other Articles in this issue of
Internal Medicine Coding Alert
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