Advanced Search

Cardiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

427.0 Is 'PAT' Option

Published on Thu Sep 15, 2011

Question: Documentation for an ablation procedure shows a diagnosis of PAT. What does this stand for?Pennsylvania SubscriberAnswer: With the minimal information given, the abbreviation PAT matches paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, which is coded to 427.0 (Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia). An inclusion note under 427.0 shows "Paroxysmal tachycardia: atrial [PAT]."Caution: If you aren't sure what an abbreviation stands for, an auditor won't be sure either. That means the auditor could decide documentation doesn't support your code choice. Work with practitioners to be sure documentation stands up to scrutiny.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Cardiology Coding Alert

View All