Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: What diagnosis codes would you use on this clinic follow-up visit? Patient has multiple myeloma and has developed grade-1 peripheral sensory neuropathy, secondary to Velcade therapy. Codify Member Answer: The documentation doesn't include information on remission, so you should report the multiple myeloma using 203.00 (Multiple myeloma, without mention of having achieved remission). Because the oncologist links the neuropathy to Velcade therapy, you should report 357.6 (Polyneuropathy due to drugs). This code includes an instruction to "Use additional E code to identify drug." The appropriate E code is E933.1 (Antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drugs causing adverse effects in therapeutic use). The first-listed diagnosis should represent the main reason for the encounter. Remember: You should report only those diagnoses confirmed by the physician. In some cases, the physician may document that neuropathy due to Velcade is probable or suspected. The physician should be queried to clarify whether this was a clinical [...]