Coding Tip: Unspecified Condition Codes and Combination Codes
Pat Maccariella‑Hafey
RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCS‑P, CIRCC
Executive Director Of Education
AHIMA‑Approved ICD‑10‑CM/PCS Trainer and Ambassador
One area that coders struggle with is when to report a separate condition code when an already assigned combination code includes the condition. For example, if an obstetric patient is admitted and delivers, and the physician documents “obstetric patient delivered with anemia,” should both code O99.02 Anemia complicating childbirth and D64.9, Anemia, unspecified be coded or should only O99.02 be assigned?
The answer is that only code O99.02, Anemia complicating childbirth should be assigned. Coders may argue that there is a “code also” note under O99.- in the tabular that states “Use additional code to identify specific condition.” However, note the word “specific” in that note In our case, the unspecified anemia is not a specific type of anemia, so an additional code would NOT be assigned. Had the physician documented “iron deficiency anemia” then code D50.9, Iron deficiency anemia would have been coded since this is a specific type of anemia.
The same would be true in an obstetric delivery patient in which the physician documented “obesity complicating pregnancy.” Code O99.214, Obesity complicating childbirth would be coded, however it would be unnecessary to code E66.9, Obesity, unspecified as it is not a specific code. Code O99.214 already has “obesity” within the combination code. Had the physician documented “morbid obesity,” then code E66.01, Morbid obesity would be added as it is a specific code.
References That Support the Decision
There are several references that support the above determination. Coding Clinic, Third Quarter, 2018, page 4 has an example of diabetic atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease. It was asked if the specific I70.2- code should also be coded. AHA replied to only code the E11.51 code unless an additional code provides specificity about the atherosclerosis, such as the vessel, manifestations or laterality. “Multiple coding should not be used when the classification provides a combination code that clearly identifies all of the elements documented in the diagnosis. When the combination code lacks necessary specificity in describing the manifestation or complication, an additional code should be used as a secondary code.”
In Coding Clinic, First Quarter, 2017, page 25, the advice is to NOT report unspecified, uncomplicated asthma code J45.909 with COPD code J44.9, as it isn’t a type of asthma.
In the AHA Handbook, Chapter 24, it states “When a code from chapter 15 describes the condition adequately, only that code is assigned. It is appropriate, however, to assign an additional code when it provides needed specificity.”
So in summary, the coder should NOT report a secondary code for a condition that is already included in a combination code, unless that secondary code provides specificity of the that condition.
References
AHA Coding Clinic, Third Quarter, 2018, page 4
AHA Coding Clinic, First Quarter, 2018, page 16
AHA Coding Clinic, Fourth Quarter, 2017, page 96
AHA Coding Clinic, First Quarter, 2017, page 25
AHA ICD-10 Coding Handbook, Chapter 24, Other Conditions Complicating Pregnancy, Childbirth, or the Puerperium
The information contained in this post is valid at the time of posting. Viewers are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.
Popular Posts
Coding Tip: Update – Coding COVID-19 When the Test is Negative
Assign code Z20.828, “Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other viral communicable diseases” for all patients who are tested for COVID-19 and the results are negative, regardless of symptoms, no symptoms, exposure or not as we are in a pandemic.
New ICD-10-PCS Procedure Codes for COVID-19
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new procedure codes for treatments of COVID-19 – effective as of August 1, 2020. Among the new codes are Section X New Technology codes for the introduction or infusion of therapeutics including Remdesivir, Sarilumab, Tocilizumab, transfusion of convalescent plasma, as well as introduction of any other or new therapeutic substances for the treatment of COVID-19.
New Rule Helps Medicare ACOs During COVID-19 Pandemic
One common element in many value-based programs is risk adjustment using Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCCs) to create a Risk Adjustment Factor (RAF) score. This method ranks diagnoses into categories that represent conditions with similar cost patterns.
Part 5: Reasons for AKI Denials and Prevention | AKI Series
Why are so many AKI records being denied? It’s hard to give one answer for why so many AKI records are being denied lately, but most appear to be due to the multiple sets of criteria available for use in determining if a patient has AKI, as well as physician documentation. As stated in Part 3 of this series, there are three main criteria/classifications used to diagnose AKI.
Part 4: Is Documentation Present to Report Acute Kidney Injury/Failure? | AKI Series
In previous parts of this series we looked at the definitions of AKI/ARF, causes, coding and sequencing, and the common clinical indicators that patients present with that are diagnosed with this condition. In Part 4, we will look at the documentation that should be present to report the diagnosis without fear of denial, as well as when a query is needed to clarify the diagnosis.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Latest News
Coding Tip: Update – Coding COVID-19 When the Test is Negative
Assign code Z20.828, “Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other viral communicable diseases” for all patients who are tested for COVID-19 and the results are negative, regardless of symptoms, no symptoms, exposure or not as we are in a pandemic.
New ICD-10-PCS Procedure Codes for COVID-19
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new procedure codes for treatments of COVID-19 – effective as of August 1, 2020. Among the new codes are Section X New Technology codes for the introduction or infusion of therapeutics including Remdesivir, Sarilumab, Tocilizumab, transfusion of convalescent plasma, as well as introduction of any other or new therapeutic substances for the treatment of COVID-19.
New Rule Helps Medicare ACOs During COVID-19 Pandemic
One common element in many value-based programs is risk adjustment using Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCCs) to create a Risk Adjustment Factor (RAF) score. This method ranks diagnoses into categories that represent conditions with similar cost patterns.
Part 5: Reasons for AKI Denials and Prevention | AKI Series
Why are so many AKI records being denied? It’s hard to give one answer for why so many AKI records are being denied lately, but most appear to be due to the multiple sets of criteria available for use in determining if a patient has AKI, as well as physician documentation. As stated in Part 3 of this series, there are three main criteria/classifications used to diagnose AKI.
Part 4: Is Documentation Present to Report Acute Kidney Injury/Failure? | AKI Series
In previous parts of this series we looked at the definitions of AKI/ARF, causes, coding and sequencing, and the common clinical indicators that patients present with that are diagnosed with this condition. In Part 4, we will look at the documentation that should be present to report the diagnosis without fear of denial, as well as when a query is needed to clarify the diagnosis.
Coding Tip: Z Code Reporting for COVID-19
If the facility does a COVID-19 test, and test is negative, do I need a diagnosis code. The answer is yes, you will report a Z-code. The Z-code depends on the record documentation and circumstances of testing. For any patient receiving a COVID-19 test, if negative, there MUST e a Z-code to describe why the test was taken. (Test negative for COVID-19 and MD does not override negative results).
Part 3: Clinical Indicators for Acute Kidney Injury/Failure | AKI Series
In the first parts of this series we looked at definitions of AKI/ARF, causes, coding and sequencing. In Part 3, we will look at what clinical indicators would possibly be present to support the diagnosis of AKI/ARF.
FY2021 Proposed Rule and Code Changes Highlights
The FY2021 IPPS Proposed Rule is out and here are some highlights from it regarding ICD-10 Code proposals. We will know if these changes are permanent after the public comment period is over on July 10, 2020 and CMS prepares the Final Rule, usually out by August 1.
Part 2: Specificity Coding of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Sequencing | AKI Series
As discussed in Part 1 of this series, AKI/ARF is a common diagnosis that coders see daily. In Part 2, we are going to focus on the different types/specificity of AKI/ARF. We’ll learn what they mean, as well as how to code the diagnosis.
Part 1: What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)? | AKI Series
This is part 1 in a series focused on coding of acute kidney injury (AKI) and/or acute renal failure (ARF). AKI/ARF is reported often, but is also one of the most common diagnosis found in denials.
Coding Tip: Covid-19 Diagnosis Coding Common Scenarios
With the proliferation of COVID-19 cases, we thought we would put together a quick reference listing of some of the common scenarios that coders have asked about. As with all coding, coders should follow Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and the COVD-19 Frequently Asked Questions document by the AHA.
Reporting Telehealth Services During the COVID-19 Emergency
Effective March 1, Medicare will pay physicians for telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits for all diagnoses, not just services related to COVID-19. This great for providers whose patients are reluctant to visit the office.
Coding Tip: What is Single Path Coding?
The biggest reasons why some hospital systems are moving to single path coding is to eliminate duplicative processes and to optimize productivity. In addition, costs are reduced when only one coder “touches” the record and completes both types of coding.
Coding Tip: Reporting Vaping in ICD-10-CM | Effective on 4/1/2020
Effective with 4/1/2020 discharges, ICD-10-CM code U07.0 is used to report vaping -related disorders. ICD-10-CM code U07.0 (vaping related disorder) should be used when documentation supports that the patient has a lung-related disorder from vaping. This code is found in the new ICD-10-CM Chapter 22. U07.0 will be in listed in the ICD-10-CM manual under a new section: Provisional assignment of new disease of uncertain etiology or emergency use.
Telehealth and the Coronavirus
The US government and public-health officials are urging consumers to utilize telemedicine for remote treatment, fill prescriptions and get medical attention during the new coronavirus pandemic. The goal is to keep people with symptoms at home and to practice social distancing if their condition doesn’t warrant more intensive hospital care.
Coronavirus: Tips for Working from Home
Coronavirus: Tips for working from home. Companies around the world have told their employees to stay home and work remotely. Whether you’re a new to this concept or a work from home veteran, here’s some tips to staying productive from our #HIAfamily.
Part 3: Coder and CDI Communication Example | CDI Series
This is the final part of a three part series in which we address how coders can better interact with Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) professionals. In this part, we provide an actual example of an effective communication response to CDI.
Part 2: How Coders Can Address Coding Mismatches | CDI Series
This is part two of a three part series in which we address how coders can better interact with Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) professionals. In this part, we discuss mismatches and how to best go about resolving them. In part three we will provide a case example of best practice interaction.
Part 1: How Coders Can Better Interact with CDI Teams | CDI Series
This is part one of a three part series in which we address how coders can better interact with Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) professionals. Many times these departments are separate and the remote environment makes it difficult to interact efficiently between the two departments. In part one, we will discuss the history and objectives of CDI so the coder has a better understanding of CDI’s role.
Coding Tip: Coding Diagnoses on Outpatient Encounters
One reason that coders should report chronic conditions (including history and status codes) on outpatient records is the HCC’s—Hierarchical Condition Categories. The quick and easy explanation of what HCC’s are is each HCC is mapped to certain ICD-10-CM codes or code ranges. HCC coding is designed to estimate future health care costs for patients.
Part 5: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 5 of this 5-part series, we will look at Chapter 4 within ICD-10-CM—E00-E89—Endocrine, Nutritional, and Metabolic Diseases. There is no possible way to include every guideline or coding reference for this chapter, but here are some of the most common issues.
Part 4: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 4 of this 5-part series, we will look at Chapter 10 within ICD-10-CM—J00-J99—Diseases of the Respiratory System. There is no possible way to include every guideline or coding reference for this chapter, but here are some of the most common issues.
Part 3: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 3 of this 5 part series, we will look at Chapter 9 within ICD-10-CM—I00-I99—Diseases of the Circulatory System. This chapter contains so many of the everyday diagnoses that we code such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke.
Part 1: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 1 of this 5-part series, we will look at Chapter 21 within ICD-10-CM—Z00-Z99—Factors influencing health status and contact with health services. There is no possible way to include every guideline or coding reference for this chapter, but I’ll do my best to touch on some off the most common issues.
Coding & Quality Measures Tip: Social Determinants of Health
The HIM world has been buzzing recently with discussion of “Social Determinants of Health” and coded data. What does this mean for coders and the HIM field?
New ICD-10-CM Code for Vaping-Related Disorder
In response to the recent occurrences of vaping related disorders and in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the WHO Family of International Classifications (WHOFIC) Network Classification and Statistics Advisory Committee (CSAC) was convened to discuss a diagnosis code for vaping related illness for immediate use.
CDC Develops ICD-10 Code for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is in process of developing a new code for the COVID-19 (coronavirus) that will be released October 1, 2020. In the meantime, the CDC has provided advice on coding the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Most Common DRG’s with Recommendations 2019: #1
We’re finally at the #1 most common DRG with recommendations by HIA for 2019. Just to recap, HIA reviewed over 50,000 inpatient records in 2019. Most have probably already guessed what the correct DRG would be with the most recommendations. There are just some diagnoses and DRG’s that will always be a thorn in the side for coders. #1 DRG with the most recommendations during HIA reviews : DRG 871—Septicemia or severe sepsis w/o mechanical ventilation >96 hours with MCC
Most Common DRG’s with Recommendations 2019: #2
We’re now at the second most common DRG with recommendations by HIA for 2019. Just to recap, HIA reviewed over 50,000 inpatient records in 2019. We are counting down to # 1. #2 DRG with the most recommendations during HIA reviews: DRG 872—Septicemia or severe sepsis w/o mechanical ventilation >96 hours w/o MCC.