Wiki Initial vs subsequent encounter

[dipperdan]

As far as using one these, if you are treating the patient for several months, when we switch them to ICD 10, do you use subsequent since they have been treating and not a new patient? Or do you use initial because, everyone has to start at initial?

 

[ccardella]

The 7th character for 'initial encounter' is not limited solely to the very first encounter for a new condition. This 7th character can be used for multiple encounters as long as the patient continues to receive active treatment for the condition.

It doesn't really mean which encounter it is in succession, it means the patient is in A=Active treatment phase
D=recovery healing phase
S=healed injury with late effects, sequela

It's about the condition not the encounter.

I hope this helps!

-Tina