Wiki HELP..with coding self mutilation..cutting?

[Brandy0618]

Can anyone one help guide me with coding for a pt whom denies suicide, but is cutting himself. Our Dr will refer this individual to a specialist, but she has literally searched everywhere in ICD to find an accurate code to describe this?

 

[Pam Warren]

code the open wound as usual, then use the E code for self-inflicted injury. Unfortunately, it is the same code as attempted suicide, but that's the limitation of ICD-9.

 

[lcarson]

Another Suggestion

You may also want to add a code for conduct disturbance/disorder 312.9 or even 307.9 special symptoms or syndromes NOC because if the patient is referred on and/or treated by a Behavior Health/Psych Provider chances are they will need a Psych code most likely for insurance coverage.

 

[mitchellde]

You may also want to add a code for conduct disturbance/disorder 312.9 or even 307.9 special symptoms or syndromes NOC because if the patient is referred on and/or treated by a Behavior Health/Psych Provider chances are they will need a Psych code most likely for insurance coverage.

You cannot add a code if the dx is not documented not can the coder decide that this behavior indicates a conduct disorder

 

[Pam Warren]

Good advice, Deb, it's not likely a conduct disorder, it's probably borderline personality disorder, but without the provider's say-so, we shouldn't code it.