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Primary Care Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS :

Rely on Combo Codes for Some COPD Patients

Published on Thu May 21, 2009

Question: An established patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) with acute bronchitis reports to the FP for a scheduled spirometry. What is the proper diagnosis coding for this encounter? Arizona Subscriber Answer: Code with caution on COPD patients; report a single diagnosis code for the patients COPD when it occurs along with certain conditions, such as bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma. On the claim, report the following: " 94010 (Spirometry, including graphic record, total and timed vital capacity, expiratory flow rate measurement[ s], with or without maximal voluntary ventilation) for the spirometry " 491.22 (Obstructive chronic bronchitis with acute bronchitis) for the COPD. Explanation: You dont have to report 466.0 (Acute bronchitis) for the obstructive chronic bronchitis because the code descriptor for 491.22 specifies acute bronchitis.
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