Wiki Assigning DX Code based off "Evidence of"

[jdavenport02]

If a pathologist gives an impression of, "Test results provide evidence for bladder carcinoma", is this sufficient for assigning a diagnosis of C67.9? My question is directly regarding the word "evidence". Is this treated the same as "consistent with" and shouldn't be coded or is it considered a definitive diagnosis?

Thank you for help!

 

[LuckyLily]

Look at Coding Clinic 2014, 1Q, pg 18--states 'evidence of' is acceptable.

 

[twizzle]

Yes LuckyLily is correct. 'Evidence of' is acceptable but 'consistent with' is not. They sound very similar in their implications but 'evidence of' really is saying there is something there....... same as evidence in a criminal case.