Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: My ob-gyn sectioned this patient because of pseudotumor cerebri. What diagnosis code should I use?

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Answer: The correct diagnosis code is 348.2 (Benign intracranial hypertension), but since she is an ob patient, you must indicate an obstetric code first. In this case, you should use 648.9x (Other current conditions classifiable elsewhere), depending on the current episode of care as your primary diagnosis. Your secondary diagnosis can then be 348.2.

 - The answers for Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were provided by Melanie Witt, RN, CPC, MA, an ob-gyn coding expert based in Fredericksburg, Va.