sandya
Networker
Hi...does anybody know of a cut off rule for using the former smoker code? If a pt states they quit 40-50-60 years ago, do we still use Z87.891? Is there something in writing about this? thanks sandy
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Wiki Former smoker code Z87.891
- Thread starter sandya
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I don't think there is a time-limit assigned to the code. It is just for a personal history of nicotine use in general.
ChristyWills15
New
Does anyone use the code Z87.891 for History of tobacco abuse or use? I am not finding any AHA guidelines for ICD-10.
danskangel313
True Blue
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I'm not sure under what circumstances you're coding this for, but using the Z code indicates the patient HAD smoked at some point. However if the patient had been a smoker, as in dependent on nicotine, then the more appropriate code would be from the F17- section. Perhaps a better explanation would be someone who was a "social smoker" versus someone who smoked 3 packs a day because they were addicted. If your coding for a patient who was a previous smoker (not the on-and-off, social kind), then I suggest maybe F17.211 Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, in remission.
I also agree that there's not a "time frame" for these codes. If they smoked, they smoked; time doesn't change that fact.
I also agree that there's not a "time frame" for these codes. If they smoked, they smoked; time doesn't change that fact.