• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki coding dilated atrium.

Create Wiki
A

aparscal

Networker
Messages
39
Location
Woodland, CA
Best answers
0
Hi,.
when I am coding an echo looking up "left atrium mildy dilated. I am not sure if I should be coding I77.819 or I51.7. In the book or in encoder I was going to dilated,.dilation-see dilation. Dilation, aorta, see-estasia, aorta I77.819.

I'm beginning to think that is not correct and I should be coding I51.7. Do you agree?

Please clarify.
 
You should not code as aortic dilation, since the atrium and the aorta are distinct components of the heart. Dilation -> cardiac gives you further options to choose between subterms "congenital" or "valve." If the documentation supports congenital, then go that route. "Valve" is not an option since the atrium is a chamber of the heart, not a heart valve. If there's no documentation that it is congenital, you'll go Dilation -> cardiac -> see also Hypertrophy, cardiac. There, you've got more subterm options to consider including "fatty" and "hypertensive." If those don't match, go with the default code I51.7 (Cardiomegaly).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top