tci Part B Insider - 2012 Issue 43

Reader Question: Some Symptoms Inherent in Diagnoses

Question: Can I report the diagnosis codes for tonsillitis, pharyngitis and upper respiratory infection together? Or do I just code the URI? Answer: In most cases, you can report multiple diagnosis codes for this visit. Although the ICD9-CM guidelines say that you shouldn't code symptoms and also the disease, it's possible that these symptoms are separate from the URI. So whereas you wouldn't code pneumonia and also code a cough or fever (as these are likely symptoms of the pneumonia), it is possible that tonsillitis or pharyngitis could be separate diagnoses in addition to the URI. The decision...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to tci Part B Insider.


Keep pace with evolving Medicare regulations with timely analysis of critical updates interpreted in an easy-to-follow, easy-to-apply format. Your subscription to TCI’s Part B Insider will equip you to navigate code and guideline changes, CCI edits, and revisions to modifiers, the fee schedule, OIG target areas, and more.

  • Current newsletters added each month
  • Fully searchable archives - over 4800 articles
  • ALL years/issues back to 2003 organized by year and issue
  • Codes mentioned in articles are linked to Code Information pages
  • Code Information pages link back to related articles

This feature is currently unavailable for online purchase. For more information, please call 801-770-4203 or Contact Us.

demo
request yours today
 subscribe
start today
 newsletter
free subscription

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.