hpierce
Guest
I work as a coder at a physicians billing office and we do the billing for a Bariatric program. I am new to coding for Bariatrics. Is there anyone that could give me some guidance on diagnosis coding for office visits? Are there any references available out there I could look at?
I was under the assumption that if they were seeing a bariatric doctor, then the obesity code should always be listed first; why else would you be in a bariatric program? But, what diagnosis do you use when the patient comes back for their follow up visit (post gastric bypass)? Do you use the obesity code as primary or do you use a V code? What about for lap band adjustments? Is it based on the payer?
Any help you could provide would be much appreciated.
![Confused :confused: :confused:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Thanks!
Heather P.
CPC
I was under the assumption that if they were seeing a bariatric doctor, then the obesity code should always be listed first; why else would you be in a bariatric program? But, what diagnosis do you use when the patient comes back for their follow up visit (post gastric bypass)? Do you use the obesity code as primary or do you use a V code? What about for lap band adjustments? Is it based on the payer?
Any help you could provide would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Heather P.
CPC