Wiki Abnormal labs

tracefurious

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Once again I am asking if 790.6 abnormal labs should be used for CMP or BMP or HgB A1C etc..labs. Shouldn't it be more specific to that lab? I have know idea what is abnormal in the previous lab so I really can't be specific but shouldn't the ordering doc be more specific?
Please help
The code states:
790.6 other abnrmal blood chemistry
Abnormal blood levels of:
cobalt
copper
iron
lead
lithium
magnesium
mineral
zinc
 
It would definitely help if the doc was more specific. The following is an excerpt from the Official Coding Guidelines. Show it to your providers and maybe that will help with their future documentation.

"Abnormal Findings" Abnormal findings (lab, path, etc) are not coded and reported unless the provider indicates their clinical significance. If the findings are outside the normal range and the attending physician has ordered other tests to evaluate the condition or prescribed treatment, it is appropriate to ask the physician whether the abnormal finding should be added"
It is all in the documentation:)
 
You are correct, 790.6 is used for what you state. If the order is not specific them ask for clarification before you code it.
 
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