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Primary Care Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Pinpoint Diagnosis for CPAP Machine

Published on Thu Jan 13, 2011

Question: We received charts for using a CPAP machine with diagnosis V46.8. Is that the best diagnosis, or is something else better for a CPAP? Answer: Diagnosis V46.8 (Other dependence on machines and devices; other enabling machines) could be appropriate as a secondary diagnosis only, but don't jump to conclusions. You need a primary diagnosis explaining why the physician prescribed a CPAP machine, such as obstructive sleep apnea (327.23, Obstructive sleep apnea [adult] [pediatric]). Talk with the physician to determine the best choice.
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