OASIS Alert

Diagnosis Coding:

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT DIABETES CODE EVERY TIME














































Fourth digit identifies presence and type of manifestation.


When coding for diabetes, the fourth and fifth digits provide the specificity you need to document the care you provide your patients.

Use this handy flow chart to help remember which questions you need to ask yourself to select the correct codes for your patients. Next, find the answers in the patient's medical documentation, and follow up by checking your ICD-9 manual to be certain you've coded correctly. (For a detailed explanation of diabetes types, see OASIS Alert, Vol. 6, No. 12).