Wiki Coding with Chief Complaint

[JANBABS]

We are having a discussion about whether we should diagnose with chief complaint as the primary diagnosis or the diagnosis given by the physician after he treats the patient. What is correct?

 

[RonMcK3]

Inpatient or outpatient setting?

 

[hewitt]

In general, in an outpatient setting, the chief complaint is the patient's statement of what her/his problem is.... Usually centers around symptoms. The physician looks over the patient to determine what the illness is.... The diagnosis is based upon what the physician finds.