Home Health ICD-9/ICD-10 Alert

Question: How would we code an episode in which we admit a patient with multiple sclerosis, but the only reason for admission is to give a three-day course of IV SoluMedrol?

Answer: Even though you're only seeing the patient to administer the SoluMedrol, you'd code the multiple sclerosis first (340). That's because the patient needs the SoluMedrol to treat an acute exacerbation of her multiple sclerosis, making that condition the chief reason for admission.

Follow the multiple sclerosis code with V58.81 (Other specified procedures and aftercare; fitting and adjustment of vascular catheter) for the SoluMedrol administration.