Wiki lice check required

[tag60]

I'm unsure what diagnosis code to use for this encounter. This is an established patient who has never had lice before. Short note as follows:

S: Child is here with mom for lice check. Family has just entered a shelter.

O: No lice or nits in hair or scalp.

A/P: Note given stating patient is free from lice, for mom to give to shelter.

Thanks in advance!

 

[pezztx]

Maybe use V70.3 for admin purposes since they needed the clearance before entering a shelter.

 

[CodingKing]

I'm thinking of V70.3 & V75.8 (Special examination for other specified parasitic infections.)

I was looking at Merck Manual and Lice falls under parasitic skin infections
http://www.merckmanuals.com/profess...ons/introduction-to-parasitic-skin-infections

 

[ehanna]

I'm thinking of V70.3 & V75.8 (Special examination for other specified parasitic infections.)

I was looking at Merck Manual and Lice falls under parasitic skin infections
http://www.merckmanuals.com/profess...ons/introduction-to-parasitic-skin-infections

I like the V75.8 (Special exam for other specified parasitic infections) and I don't think the V70.3 is necessarily wrong but the family is in a shelter. If there is a valid diagnosis (V75.8) that gets the claim paid vs an administrative code that will likely end up being denied and going to the homeless patient I vote for the more specific V75.8.

Just my thoughts

 

[CodingKing]

I like the V75.8 (Special exam for other specified parasitic infections) and I don't think the V70.3 is necessarily wrong but the family is in a shelter. If there is a valid diagnosis (V75.8) that gets the claim paid vs an administrative code that will likely end up being denied and going to the homeless patient I vote for the more specific V75.8.

Just my thoughts

I think you are correct, although not to choose diagnosis dx based on coverage vs non-coverage. That is not proper coding. Purposely misreporting diagnosis like that can cause trouble for the practice.

However V70.3 is a general medical exam. It has a code additional DX note for any special screening examinations performed (V73.0-V82.9) . Since they only did a single special screening, I would think the special exam DX code V75.8 would be more appropriate.