Wiki ICD-9 reporting for potential child abuse

[PatriciaCPC]

My Dr saw an infant in the hsp diagnosed with multiple fractures at various degrees of healing. Case has been presented to Bureau of Child Welfare for "potential child abuse".
I remember reading somewhere this needs to be reported to the insurance companies on the claims. But since this was "potential" abuse, how do I code this? Should I use 995.54 Child Physical Abuse, or do the same rules apply as in not reporting suspected conditions?
Thanks so much!

 

[RebeccaWoodward*]

Take a look at V71.81-As far as the fractures, it's somewhat hard to say without reading the documentation but I would probably look at a fx code also since you stated the fx's were healing at different degrees. Maybe an aftercare fx code?

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/icd9/icdp1198.pdf

(Read page 6)

 

[FTessaBartels]

V71.81

I like V71.81 rather than giving a definitive diagnosis.
Remember that this record follows the patient FOREVER. You don't want to give them a condition they do not have. (There are congenital conditions that could cause multiple fractures without any abuse.)

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CPC-E/M

 

[amolson1325]

There are also "E" codes for this:

Abuse (alleged) (suspected) E967.X

You could possibly put the "E" code with the fx code??

 

[PatriciaCPC]

Thanks to all for the responses... V71.81 was just what I was looking for! Have a great day!

 

[balitt]

would the v71.81 code be appropiate if the exam is for possible abuse?