Dexa scan for steroid use

[mass31]

If a patient under 65 who uses steroids to treat MS comes in for a dexa scan which is normal do you use V82.81? I know you would use V58.65 for the long term steroid use but can that be the primary dx?

 

[mitchellde]

Use V58.83 as primary then the V58.65. This is not a screening, it is being performed because the patient is on the medication.

 

[susiekay]

I would not use V58.83. That code is used for drug monitoring. It's measuring the level of a specific drug.

I would use (and do) V58.65. The dexa scan is to check if there has been any damage to the bones during the course of this drug therapy.

 

[mitchellde]

That is what drug monitoring is. The V58.83 is how coding clinics also indicate is the correct way to code a dexa scan when the reason for the scan is due to the drug. In addition per coding clinic the V58.6 codes are to be used secondary only.

 

[LPou1003]

You can't use V58.65 as a primary Diagnosis as per the guidelines under Chapter 18.b; 18.3; and I.C.18.e.

I agree with Mitchellde