Wiki Coding abnormal diagnostic testing

[SDAlward]

I just want to clear something up that's been a debate. If you are coding from a diagnostic report, and the report indicates a definitive diagnosis (e.g. a carotid u/s was done carotid artery stenosis was found), would it be appropriate to either:

A) report only the carotid stenosis (433.10)

B) report 433.10 AND a code for an abnormal carotid u/s

Any feedback and links to resources would be appreciated

 

[mitchellde]

I just want to clear something up that's been a debate. If you are coding from a diagnostic report, and the report indicates a definitive diagnosis (e.g. a carotid u/s was done carotid artery stenosis was found), would it be appropriate to either:

A) report only the carotid stenosis (433.10)

B) report 433.10 AND a code for an abnormal carotid u/s

Any feedback and links to resources would be appreciated

Read your coding guidelines they state that if a definitive dx is rendered your u code the definitive, you do not code any signs or symptom that are related to the dx.

 

[SDAlward]

Thanks! That's exactly what I was thinking I just needed it cleared up