If both a preoperative and postoperative diagnosis is known when coding the medical record at a ASC, would both be coded? According to ICD-9 guidelines for outpatient services, "if the postoperative diagnosis is known to be different from the preoperative diagnosis at the time the diagnosis is confirmed, select the postoperative diagnosis for coding, since it is the most definitive." I have been told that the preoperative diagnosis should be coded first (if the postoperative diagnosis is different) followed by the postoperative diagnosis. Can someone please clear this up for me? I'm taking my CCS exam tomorrow and want to make sure I am positive on this issue.
Thanks!
Brooke Stevenson
CPC
Thanks!
Brooke Stevenson
CPC