Radiology Coding Alert

Question: In a patient with longstanding dyspnea, our physician documented a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension after radiological examination. What diagnosis codes can we submit for this condition?

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Answer: For pulmonary hypertension (PHTN), you will submit the code I27.2 (Other secondary pulmonary hypertension). If your physician documents a cause, such as pulmonary embolism, you may consider code I26.09 (Other pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale).

From the description provided, you may also consider submitting a code for cough. If your physician hasn’t documented the details of cough, you may consider code R06.00 (Dyspnea, unspecified). Another possible code can be R06.02 (Shortness of breath).