Wiki Coding Acute DVT vs Chronic DVT

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akandrew

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I need some input or documentation information on when to start coding a chronic DVT and stop coding the acute DVT. I have been instructed in the past to only code the acute DVT at the time it actually occurs and to code the chronic DVT when the patient starts on anti-coagulant meds. Is this correct?
 
It has nothing to do with when the patient is started on medication. Assumption is one of the biggest no-no's when it comes to coding. That is exactly what you would be doing if you were to assign the code for chronic DVT solely because the patient was started on an anticoagulant.

To code chronic DVT, the documentation must state "chronic DVT". DVT, not otherwise specified, codes to the same code as acute DVT. "The standard treatment for patients with acute deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) is five to seven days of unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin, followed by three months of oral anticoagulant therapy." So, you cannot assume the DVT is chronic for that reason.

Hope this helps.
 
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