Wiki Swelling vs Effusion

[amylis1]

Hi,

When the physician states swelling of elbow, because the elbow is a joint, do I code
Effusion of joint or swelling of a limb?

THe confusion comes also comes in when the impression states "soft tissue swelling"
Is that coded disorder of tissue? of ....

ANy help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[srinivas r sajja]

I'd go by impression. soft tissue swelling.

 

[jmcpolin]

I would code the swelling as well effusion is fluid in the joint

 

[BABS37]

I agree with Jenifer. If it states swelling of elbow, I would code it as effusion- that's what I learned for joints. And I would also code both- 719.02 for the elbow and 729.89 for the swelling as that would cover the soft tissue swelling.