Wiki initial vrs subsequent

[lminneti]

hello all

I have a question well actually case. pt has been going to the ed for wound check/dressing change. now pt has gone to general surgery provider for the same wound check/dressing change. how would this be coded? would be coded as initial or subsequent?

thanks for your help

 

[mitchellde]

Dressing changes, suture removal, debridements... all will be subsequent regardless of whether this is a patient that new to you or established, or whether your provider treated the patient for the active treatment or not. this is in the coding guidelines.