• 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..

Wiki Smoking

Create Wiki
jessica1974

jessica1974

Guru
Messages
107
Location
Louisville, KY
Best answers
0
I am confused about when to use the "Z" codes for smoking and when to use the F17 codes. If they are a current smoker I have been using a code from F17. However lately I've been noticing that some practices are using the Z72.0. I cannot find any clear documentation that states which one is more appropriate. Can someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks!:confused:
 
jessica1974 said:
I am confused about when to use the "Z" codes for smoking and when to use the F17 codes. If they are a current smoker I have been using a code from F17. However lately I've been noticing that some practices are using the Z72.0. I cannot find any clear documentation that states which one is more appropriate. Can someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks!:confused:
Click to expand...

It pretty much has to do with the status of the nicotine use (smoking).

Z72.0 is for Tobacco Use NOS. I'm pretty sure those using that code for an active smoker aren't looking in the index...

In the index, if you lookup "Smoker", it states " See Dependence, drug, nicotine". You're directed to dependence, NOT use, meaning Z72.0 would not be correct based on the index directions.

Lookup Dependence (on) (syndrome)>drug NEC>nicotine>cigarettes sends you to F17.210
Depending on the documentation, other codes in F17.21- might apply instead (in remission, for example)

In your case, you are correct to code from F17.21-. If you're looking for documentation, just pull out your trusty I-10 book and follow the index. It's pretty straightforward.

I do want to make note of code Z77.22 Contact with and (suspected) exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (acute) (chronic). It can be used for "Passive smoking (acute) (chronic)" if a patient is a "social smoker" or similar. The good old "I only smoke when I drink" statement. :rolleyes:
 
Thanks for the clarification! This changed with the October changes. Before it had to be specified by the doctor as dependence, now as long as they state "smoker" you may take it to the dependence code.

Glad I came across this! Otherwise, I would have been stuck in my old habits of coding! :o
 
Thank you for the clarification. I've never used the Z code but I have been seeing it on documentation from another facility. I wanted to make sure I was correctly coding. Thanks again:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top