Wiki Should I code for Deafness?

[jonique.dietzen]

I have a patient that came in for routine diabetic care. But he is also deaf (since age 11, reason not noted). His deafness has nothing to do with his diabetes and was not addressed during the exam. Should deafness 389.9 be added to the claim (and all future claims)? Or should it only be on the claims where his hearing loss is being addressed?

Thanks.
Jonique

 

[balamuruganm]

HI

You should not code Deafness because patient primary problem is Diabetes and Deafness is not related to Diabetes,

You should code only ''Diabetes'' and no need to give secondary diagnosis as Deafness.

Regards,
Balamurugan M, CPC,COC,CCS

 

[mitchellde]

I would add the deafness if there is any mention that the visit was complicated by the deafness. This could be a time issue, if the encounter was more lengthy due to the deafness of the patient.