Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Code Neurological Condition Before Suspected Problem

Published on Mon Apr 18, 2011

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?

Nevada Subscriber

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

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