Advanced Search

Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

READER QUESTION ~ Talk Through 'Cognitive Deficits' Diagnosis

Published on Tue Mar 27, 2007

Question: Our neurologist is treating a patient for seizures that he considers -cognitive deficits.- The patient is not at the level I would normally code as mentally retarded. What diagnosis should I use?

Pennsylvania Subscriber Answer: ICD-9 includes a new diagnosis this year that might apply to this case: 331.83 (Mild cognitive impairment, so stated). The descriptor lists quite a few
exclusions, however (such as 310.8, Mild memory disturbance; and 780.97, Change in mental status), so read the list carefully before automatically reporting it.

Other options pertain to neurologic deficit: 781.99 (Other symptoms involving nervous and musculoskeletal systems), 436 (Acute, but ill-defined, cerebrovascular disease), 435.9 (Unspecified transient cerebral ischemia), and 438.xx (Late effects of cerebrovascular disease).

Narrow your coding options by studying your physician's documentation. Use those details to help determine the best-fitting diagnosis.
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

Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

View All