My company was called for an emergency run for a resident who was pushed at a SNF who c/o pain in right ear and headache. Most of our patients have medicare which dont require a diagnoses code for an emergency run. I have documented E987.9 as the patient said she was pushed and fell down. Do I document a diagnosis code for the ear ache and headache?
-
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..
Wiki Ambulance Coding - ache and headache?
- Thread starter roshied
- Start date
cmcgarry
Guest
"E" codes should not be used as a primary diagnosis, but as a supplement to show the external causes of injuries, etc. As an ambulance provider, you usually won't have a final diagnosis, but you can code the symptoms that led to the ambulance being called. I would code the headache, ear pain, and then the fall. However, E987.9 is for a fall from an unspecified high place. If the patient was pushed and fell and was not in a chair, wheelchair or bed, use E886.9; if from chair, etc, to floor, use a code from E884; if unknown for sure, use E888.9. Then use E849.7 for the place of occurrence, a residential institution (the nursing home).
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!