1073358
Expert
Is there anywhere that defines how long on injury is new before its coded old? I know when to code acute vs chronic. What I don't know is how acute vs chronic or new vs old is defined.. from the doctors point of view.
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Wiki Old vs new (RTC, meniscus tear, etc)
- Thread starter 1073358
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colham478
Guest
Not sure if you're still in need of a reply but an acute/new meniscus tear is often related to a recent injury. The physician should mention this injury and the date it occured. For a chronic/old tear, there is often other degenerative changes in the joint such as chondromalacia of patella, etc... That being said, degenerative changes can also be found in a knee with a recent injury of the meniscus. Ask your surgeon if you're not sure, as I have found there to be a fine line in some instances. 
hope this helps.
hope this helps.