Wiki Chronic/Stable or Self-limited/Minor

[jentjohnson]

What if a dermatology provider doesn't think the ICD-10 for a patient isn't considered self-limited/minor? Is documentation in the office note the only thing needed to "upgrade" the complexity? I've been looking but cannot seem to find if this is discussed anywhere. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

[stacyelise]

A self-limited or minor problem is considered by the AMA as a problem that runs a definite and prescribed course, is transient in nature, and is not likely to permanently alter health status. The documentation within the patient’s medical record for that encounter should support the complexity of the problem that the patient has. The ICD-10-CM code assigned would not necessarily be what makes the diagnosis self-limited or minor, but the documentation within/that applies to MDM would.

Hope this helps,

Stacy Chaplain, MD, CPC
Development editor
AAPC

 

[LauraB]

Are there resources anywhere that are specialty specific for examples of chronic conditions, acute uncomplicated, etc for each specialty? I’d really like some specialty specific resources for this part of MDM.