Wiki Sequencing question

[iamalicia]

I am trying to settle a difference of opinion. If the patient has abnormal EKG with, for example, right branch bundle block what is the sequencing of the abnormal test and dx?

Thanks,

 

[thomas7331]

An 'abnormal test' is not a definitive diagnosis - it falls under the category of symptoms codes which you would not use as an additional code when you have a more specific diagnosis documented. If you have the definitive diagnosis, as you do in this case, you would not code the abnormal EKG code, unless it refers to some other abnormality which is unrelated to the diagnosis given.

 

[OpenClaims]

I am trying to settle a difference of opinion. If the patient has abnormal EKG with, for example, right branch bundle block what is the sequencing of the abnormal test and dx?

Thanks,

The person above is correct. Abnormal EKG would indicate that there is an abnormality and you don't have a clear diagnosis on what that abnormality is. Because you do have a diagnosis, then you would only code the RBBB in this case.