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Pain Code Usage Clarification

Can you code with a 338 code if pain not documented as acute or chronic?

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chief1kee

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South Daytona, FL
I am confused about the use of pain codes. If the physician does not state acute or chronic, is there an instance that is appropriate to use the pain code when the pain is described as 10 out 10 etc.
 
Post operative pain is always coded as acute unless specified as chronic by the physician. Neoplasm pain neither acute nor chronic. All other pain ...pain from truma and other pain must be stated as acute or chronic by the physician.
 
Smart

According to the tip in the Expert ICD-9:

Do not assign a 338 code if the pain is not specified as acute or chronic, unless post-thoracotomy, postoperative, neoplasm related or Central Pain Syndrome.

I learned something new today.
 
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