Wiki icd 9 - you code Bipolar with depression

[arizona1]

How would you code Bipolar with depression? 296.50 or as two separate codes? didn't state "type 1", which is where you find "depressed". Thank you

 

[kmhall]

Bipolar d/o, now depressed

Of course depending on the doctor's notes, I think I would code each separately. 296.5 states for "...most recent episode (or current) depressed" (not depression). I think there is a difference in being depressed (possibly just an acute situation) and having depression (usually requiring more intense/prolonged treatment). This is just my thoughts but maybe someone else has a different opinion or more knowledge in this area. Good luck!

 

[smithdk01]

seperate

I code for a group of Hospitalists and they label these as seperate diagnosis and address them seperately in their documentation. Therefore, I code them seperately.

I hope this helped.

 

[arizona1]

thank you both