Frankiew
Contributor
Is there a rule that Hypothyroidism should be coded before Dementia?
-
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 Hypothyroidism
- Thread starter Frankiew
- Start date
lgardner
Guest
I've never heard of such a rule.
may I ask why this has come up?
were you told this was a rule?
Frankiew
Contributor
I code for Home health and this came up today. Another coder said that there is a coding rule that it would be coded this way.
lgardner
Guest
I code Home Health Certifications for my practice (I know it's not the same), and it seems to me, that dementia could be a more appropriate code than hypothyroidism.
Like I said, I have never heard of any rule like this, but you should be coding the appropriate diagnoses that are being treated.
I can't think of any reason that hypothyroidism would be required to code before dementia, especially in a Home Health situation.
Also, if anyone tells you about a rule, I'd advise asking them for a source. I do coding education for clinicians, and I, always have a valid source to point to (e.g. CMS, my Mac, AMA).
Especially if it doesn't make sense to you.
I hope you find this helpful, even though I couldn't give you a solid answer.
Like I said, I have never heard of any rule like this, but you should be coding the appropriate diagnoses that are being treated.
I can't think of any reason that hypothyroidism would be required to code before dementia, especially in a Home Health situation.
Also, if anyone tells you about a rule, I'd advise asking them for a source. I do coding education for clinicians, and I, always have a valid source to point to (e.g. CMS, my Mac, AMA).
Especially if it doesn't make sense to you.
I hope you find this helpful, even though I couldn't give you a solid answer.
