ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

Look to 'Artificial Menopause' for Estrogen Withdrawal

Question: A patient who had a hysterectomy earlier this year reported to the ED for treatment. The op notes indicate that the patient was suffering from -estrogen withdrawal with menopausal symptoms.- The physician performed a level-three evaluation and management service on the patient. Which diagnosis code(s) should I use on the claim?


Nebraska Subscriber


Answer: You should report a pair of ICD-9 codes for the encounter -- one for the patient's chief complaint, and another to show she is a hysterectomy patient.

On the claim,

- report 99283 (Emergency department visit for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires these three key components: an expanded problem-focused history; an expanded problem-focused examination; and medical decision-making of moderate complexity) for the E/M service.

- attach 627.4 (Symptomatic states associated with artificial menopause) to 99283 to represent the patient's estrogen withdrawal.

- attach V45.77 (Acquired absence of organ; genital organs) to 99283 to signify that the patient had a hysterectomy.

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