Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Regard as Essential Reason for the Visit

Question: Our otolaryngologist evaluated and developed an allergy treatment plan for a patient with allergic rhinitis. If the allergy injections work, should I continue to use the allergic rhinitis as the diagnosis code?

Arkansas Subscriber

Answer: Yes, even if the therapy is working. Don't forget that the reason for the visit is the evaluation of the patient's response to therapy for allergic rhinitis (477.9, Allergic rhinitis cause unspecified). The patient continues to visit because of this condition. Thus, 477.9 remains the appropriate diagnosis code.

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