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Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Thrombosis Embolic Disease

Published on Mon Jan 01, 2001

Question: What would be an appropriate code for the diagnosis of thrombosis embolic disease (site not specified)?

Ohio Subscriber

Answer: Pulmonologists should use 444.9 for an arterial embolism and thrombosis of unspecified artery. But if possible, the physician should specify the embolisms location. For example, you should use 444.1 for an arterial embolism and thrombosis of thoracic aorta if possible, instead of 444.9. A more specific diagnosis code always increases the chance that you wont be denied.

Answered by Susan Callaway, CPC, CCS-P, an independent coding consultant and educator in North Augusta, S.C.
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