• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

sepsis organ dysfunction

S

skintzley

Contributor
Messages
12
Location
Livermore, CO
One of our hospitalist says "elevated lactate" should be enough to represent organ dysfunction when coding for severe sepsis. Any thoughts? does anyone know where I can find a list of diagnosis that fit this criteria?Thanks
 
This would be a very hard sell if you coded it this way if this case was audited. The patient must clearly meet the definition of severe sepsis otherwise it will be denied. On a coding stand point the specific organ dysfunction needs to be mentioned and linked to the sepsis. Also, elevated lactate is not a really a good reason either as this is just an abnormal lab value.


To me unless the doctor states a possible organ dysfunction as the cause of the elevated lab results this could not be coded as severe sepsis even though it may truly be severe sepsis based on the physicians clinical judgement and we are not to challenge his judgement either but as a coders we must follow our own guidelines.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top