Question: A patient presented to the ED complaining of intense headaches, blurred vision, and nausea after falling in the snow and hitting their head. The provider conducted a concussion questionnaire with the patient and performed an appropriate history and examination. Fearing concussion, the provider ordered a computed tomography (CT) scan, first without contrast then with contrast and further sections. Results of the scan confirmed concussion. Notes indicate that the provider performed high-level medical decision making (MDM) during the evaluation and management (E/M) service, informing the need for the CT scan. How should I code this encounter? California Subscriber Answer: The CPT® coding is straightforward enough. Your ICD-10 code choice, however, could be better focused with some more information about the patient and their injury. CPT® coding: On the claim, report 99285 (Emergency department visit for the evaluation and management of a patient, which requires a medically appropriate history and/or examination and high level of medical decision making) for the E/M service. ICD-10 coding: You’re best served rechecking the notes before choosing diagnosis codes for this patient, as more information could lead to a more detailed and descriptive ICD-10 code. When you’re checking the notes, ask yourself these questions: Then, you’ll choose the most appropriate codes from each of these lists (one code per list): Concussion Fall Final word: Once you’ve settled on ICD-10 codes for this encounter, append both of them to 99284 to represent the patient’s condition and the cause of the injury.