Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Code Neurological Condition 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?Nevada SubscriberAnswer: 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).
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

View All