I have read that in the inpatient setting, a condition reported as probable, suspected, likely, questionable, possible, still to be ruled out, or other similar terms indicating uncertainty, is coded as if it existed or was established. Any thoughts? Is this true?
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Wiki inpatient diagnosing question
- Thread starter vballew
- Start date
TonyaMichelle
Guru
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Yes, that is true for inpatient.
Pam Warren
True Blue
It is true that inpatient coding allows you to code based on 'suspected', 'rule out', etc. This is for those coding for the facility.....where the coder would abstract the list of diagnosis codes to report the total DRG....not to be confused with physician or other professional services performed in the inpatient setting. For inpatient professional fee services, you must code the definitive diagnosis, and if reported as 'suspected', etc., code the symptoms.
LTibbetts
Guest
Yes, this is definitely true!! This is a very specific rule to coding!
Make sure to read the coding guidelines in the front of your ICD-9 coding book! The ones that are printed in the coding books are always a year or so behind because they go to print so early, but you can always find a current version online through the AMA or other websites. You should always, always code according to your coding guidelines.
Make sure to read the coding guidelines in the front of your ICD-9 coding book! The ones that are printed in the coding books are always a year or so behind because they go to print so early, but you can always find a current version online through the AMA or other websites. You should always, always code according to your coding guidelines.