Wiki Another Colonscopy Question

[bella2]

I know this is probably a dumb question but here it goes anyway...
If a Doctor performs a colonoscopy with a pre-op diagnosis of rectal pain,
then records a post op diagnosis of hemorrhoids, can you still use the rectal pain as a secondary diagnosis ???
Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[elenax]

Yes, but If it medicare I would go with the rectal pain dx as primary.

 

[jgf-CPC]

2* code

This is what I have always gone by straight out of the guidelines:
"Codes that describe symptoms and signs are acceptable for reporting purposes when a related definitive diagnosis has not been established (confirmed) bu the prpovider." Use a secondary code if you need one according to the tabular notes. I see no need for that one used as a secondary.