Wiki Using Z51.89 for every hospital follow up?

[dblie0816]

When is ICD-10 Z51.89 NOT appropriate to use for hospital follow up? What level of severity would ICD-10 Z51.89 be appropriate? in the chapter guidelines for aftercare codes it states the aftercare Z code "should not be used if treatment is directed at a current, acute disease". Is the definition of current, acute disease, does the patient have to still show symptoms in order for it to be current and acute, there is no either or?
The ICD-10 Z51.89 definition is very vague and it leaves it open for use for ALL aftercare or follow up when patient's are discharged from the hospital or ED, ICD 10 code books states Z51 is for "Encounter for other aftercare and medical care"
Any insight would be great especially from a primary care physician office.

 

[LeeJager]

Without knowing what type of hospital follow up you're office is doing, it's hard to say. However, in general, I would look at the other Z51 codes, "Z51.11: Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy," or "Z51.6: Encounter for desensitization to allergens," and consider the visit in that light. Does this visit make sense if you changed the disease to cancer, or allergies? Code series are related (in most cases) and are comparative. Consider how other diagnoses in the same series would apply, and then see if your visit aligns in a similar way. Patient had surgery 3 months ago and everything's healed? Z51. Patient was hospitalized for pneumonia but has completed all treatment? Z51. Patient has stitches from surgery and is following up for removal and refills? Nope. NOT a Z51.

I hope that helps!