• 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 Diagnosis Coding

mbabou

Guest
Messages
28
Best answers
0
I have a question I am hoping for some input on: We use electronic medical records. Physicians assign a diagnosis code/codes for every visit electronically. I have a physician that frequently assigns diagnosis codes to established patient office visits that are not stated within the current office note dictation. The physician states symptoms that could be associated with the assigned diagnosis but never states the assigned diagnosis within the dictation. The physician has assigned and stated the diagnosis at a previous visit and continues to use this diagnosis for all follow up visits. Would you require the physician to change the diagnosis code to the symptoms since they are never stating it within their dictation?
 
Educate physicians

Oh yes, the joys and tribulations of EMR.

I would remind my physicians that their dictation MUST match the diagnosis codes they selected on the EMR. (I'm assuming they are doing the EMR selection while the patient is still in the office, but probably not dictating until later in the day.)

EMR is a TOOL, it is not a substitute for good documentation.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC
 
Top