ljones88
Networker
Hi all,
I have scoured the ICD10-CM guidelines and I swore there was an actual "time" definition for acute vs chronic diagnosis codes but I can't find it and I need clarification.
I specifically remember attending coding-related training events where speakers (more then 1 and from various entities) advising that "4 weeks or less" is considered "acute" whereas "over 4 weeks" is considered "chronic".
FOR EXAMPLE: If the physician did not explicitly state in the MR the patient had "acute" otitis media BUT documented that the symptoms started "3 days ago" we could safely code to the "Acute otitis media" vs the "unspecified otitis media" because the doctor is documenting symptoms that occurred less then 4 weeks ago........now I'm questioning this rationale as being false cause I can't find anything to support it in 2019.
I have scoured the ICD10-CM guidelines and I swore there was an actual "time" definition for acute vs chronic diagnosis codes but I can't find it and I need clarification.
I specifically remember attending coding-related training events where speakers (more then 1 and from various entities) advising that "4 weeks or less" is considered "acute" whereas "over 4 weeks" is considered "chronic".
FOR EXAMPLE: If the physician did not explicitly state in the MR the patient had "acute" otitis media BUT documented that the symptoms started "3 days ago" we could safely code to the "Acute otitis media" vs the "unspecified otitis media" because the doctor is documenting symptoms that occurred less then 4 weeks ago........now I'm questioning this rationale as being false cause I can't find anything to support it in 2019.