Wiki Can you code active illnesses?

[nldill0622@gmail.com]

My co-worker and I seem to have different opinions on wether or not active illnesses can be coded to support E/M levels. Can anybody please give me their feedback? If it states somewhere that we cannot code these, please let me know. This will help clear up office confusion and promote more streamline coding. Thanks!

 

[tefranklin57]

ICD-9-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
Effective October 1, 2010
Section IV.Diagnostic Coding and Reporting Guidelines for Outpatient Services
K. Code all documented conditions that coexist
Code all documented conditions that coexist at the time of the encounter/visit, and require or affect patient care treatment or management. Do not code conditions that were previously treated and no longer exist. However, history codes (V10-V19) may be used as secondary codes if the historical condition or family history has an impact on current care or influences treatment.