AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2019 Issue 2; Ask the Editor
Postoperative Pulmonary Embolism
A patient underwent total knee arthroplasty, and her postoperative course was uneventful. Six days later, she presented with hypoxia and shortness of breath, and the provider documented postoperative pulmonary embolism after a CT pulmonary angiogram confirmed an embolism in the right pulmonary artery. ICD-10-CM classifies postoperative, postprocedural embolisms to subcategory T81.7 with specific codes for artery or vein. What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for a postoperative pulmonary embolism? ...
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Article Overview
This article explains a postoperative pulmonary embolism case in the context of ICD-10-CM complication coding. It is relevant to coders, CDI staff, and billing professionals who work with postoperative complications, imaging confirmation, and code selection for procedure-related embolic events.
Why This Topic Matters
Postoperative embolism cases are common coding challenges because they require distinguishing a procedure-related complication from the underlying clinical presentation. Understanding the relevant ICD-10-CM category helps support accurate abstracting and claim reporting for postoperative complications.
What You Will Learn
- How postoperative pulmonary embolism is discussed in ICD-10-CM coding terms
- How complication categories for postprocedural embolism are organized
- What kinds of clinical documentation are referenced in a postoperative embolism case
- Why imaging confirmation is part of the scenario discussed in the article
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- CDI specialists
- Billing staff
- Healthcare revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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