What Coders Need to Know: Anticoagulant versus Antiplatelet – Coding Considerations

by  Christine Geiger, MA, RHIA, CCS, CRC
May 19th, 2025

Continuing our look at areas where we see confusion we will examine the assignment of the long term use codes for anticoagulants versus antithrombotics/antiplatelets. 

GoodRx.com, in an article titled, “Antiplatelet vs. Anticoagulant Blood Thinners – 4 Things to Know,” details the basics coders need to keep in mind when assigning these codes.  First, these drugs have the same goal but work in different ways.  Antiplatelet drugs prevent the platelets from sticking together so they can’t form clots.  Plavix, Brilinta and Aggrenox are some antiplatelet medications. 

Low dose aspirin is also considered to be an antiplatelet medication.  Coders note long term use of aspirin has its own unique code assignment.  These medications are often prescribed to prevent strokes and heart attacks. 

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This article originally published on May 19, 2025 by ICD10monitor.

About Christine Geiger, MA, RHIA, CCS, CRC

Chris began her health information management career in 1986, working in hospitals and as a consultant. With expertise in ICD-10 coding, audits, and education, she has contributed to compliance reviews and coding programs. She holds a Master's from Washington University, a B.S. from Saint Louis University, and has taught coding at Saint Louis University. Chris is certified in HCC risk-adjusted coding and is active in health management associations.