Wiki Inpatient main diagnosis question

[doggieluv]

The scenario is that a patient with recurrent colon cancer is admitted following attempted suicide by ingesting an unknown amount of valium. the following Dxs are stated: depression, Valium poisnoning, Ca colon, & hypotention.
Question: would hypotension be the principal dx? If not would it be Valium poisoning?

Thanks

 

[jmcpolin]

I would say the valium poisoning and suicide attempt should be coded first and then the depression, colon cancer and hypotension

 

[cordelia]

Per coding guidelines, Poisoning codes are ALWAYS primary, followed by any manefestations.

Cordelia, CCS, CPC

 

[doggieluv]

Thanks for your help.