HCPro, JustCoding Outpatient - 2020 Issue 16 (April)
Q&A: Reporting COVID-19-positive cases based on diagnostic test results
April 21st, 2020
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article addresses a coding question about reporting confirmed COVID-19 cases when positive laboratory results are included in the medical record but not separately interpreted by the provider. It summarizes guidance discussed in the context of emergency department and other encounters, and notes that the advice is specific to COVID-19. The article is aimed at coders, HIM professionals, and clinicians involved in diagnosis-based reporting decisions.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting of COVID-19 cases affects data integrity, facility workflows, and how encounters are categorized. The article highlights why organizations may use facility-specific guidance for handling testing results before assigning diagnosis codes.
What You Will Learn
- How positive diagnostic test results documented in the record relate to diagnosis reporting questions
- Why the guidance discussed is specific to COVID-19 rather than laboratory tests in general
- How facility-specific coding guidance may be considered for encounters awaiting test results
- Which professional and educational sources were referenced in the discussion
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- HIM professionals
- Compliance staff
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Billing staff
- Physician practice staff
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com