Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Question:

List Neurological Condition Diagnosis Before Suspected Problem

Question: My neurologist saw a patient in the ICU for delirium associated with acute VFIB. Do I code 293.0 as the primary diagnosis? Or do I list the cardiac code as primary and the delirium as secondary?

Pennsylvania Subscriber

Answer: Instructions following the subcategory listing for 293 (Transient mental disorders due to conditions classified elsewhere) direct you to code the associated physical or neurological condition first. Therefore, report the appropriate etiology code for ventricular fibrillation (VFIB) (such as 427.41, Ventricular fibrillation) first, then list 293.0 (Delirium due to conditions classified elsewhere).

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