tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2006 Issue 7

Reader Questions: Don't Overlook V Codes

Question: I-ve heard again and again that I shouldn't use a V code as a primary diagnosis. But what if the surgeon changes/replaces a gastrostomy tube? I can find no diagnosis other than V55.1 to support the service. Can I use the V code as primary in this case?Utah Subscriber Answer: Thinking you can't use V codes as primary diagnoses is a popular misconception. In fact, there are a number of circumstances in which a V code is not only appropriate but necessary as a primary diagnosis.  When the surgeon attends to an artificial opening (an...

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