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Primary Care Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Get Details for Compromised Immune System Dx

Published on Sun May 21, 2006

Question: Our physician is treating a patient following a splenectomy due to MVA in the past. The patient now has a compromised immune system. What is the correct diagnosis for this chronic condition?


Missouri Subscriber
Answer: A patient does not have a compromised immune system simply because his spleen is removed.

Your physician should document the reason he is treating the patient so you can code accordingly. Consider reporting  289.50 (Disease of spleen, unspecified) or 279.3 (Unspecified immunity deficiency) if you don't have more specific information.
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