AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2004 Issue 1; Ask the Editor
Acute Bronchitis with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
The physician has documented the patient to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute bronchitis. We would like clarification on whether the documentation has to specifically read “acute exacerbation of COPD†before we can assign code 491.21, Obstructive chronic bronchitis, with (acute) exacerbation. Also, in light of the October 2003 tabular and index changes, what code(s) should be assigned for this patient? ...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This premium coding article reviews how documentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute bronchitis is handled for diagnosis coding purposes. It also notes the impact of October 2003 tabular and index changes and discusses the related assignment of diagnosis codes under the coding guidance in effect at that time. The article is intended for coders, billing staff, auditors, and other professionals who need to interpret historical coding guidance for respiratory diagnoses.
Why This Topic Matters
Respiratory diagnosis coding can be affected by documentation wording and by changes in the official code book. This article helps readers understand the coding guidance relevant to a COPD and acute bronchitis scenario, especially when looking at older ICD-9-CM instructions and updates.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames coding questions involving COPD and acute bronchitis
- How historical tabular and index changes may affect diagnosis code assignment
- What general type of coding guidance the article provides for respiratory diagnoses
- How the article relates documentation language to coding review considerations
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Compliance staff
- Clinical documentation review teams
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com