Author Topic: Epilepsy Coding  (Read 3045 times)

kperillo

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Epilepsy Coding
« on: May 20, 2015, 11:51:45 AM »
Hi! :-)

Does anyone know if "intractable partial epilepsy" should be 345.41 or 345.51?  The record doesn't specify simple or complex seizures.  Thank you so much! :-)

RichardP

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Re: Epilepsy Coding
« Reply #1 on: May 20, 2015, 03:39:54 PM »
The general rule is to code to the level of specificity known.

Since simple comes before complex, and you don't know if complex applies here ...

Is there any way you can check with the doctor and have him update his notes as to which it is?

Do you know about this page?

http://www.icd9data.com/2014/Volume1/320-389/340-349/345/default.htm

kperillo

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Re: Epilepsy Coding
« Reply #2 on: May 24, 2015, 12:50:07 PM »
Hi! Thanks for responding. :-)  There's no further information available, unfortunately. In the book complex is listed before simple 345.41 (intractable partial epilepsy with complex seizures) and 345.51 (intractable partial epilepsy with simple seizures). Does that mean the assumption would be for complex? Or is it still assumed that it's simple?  Or is there another way to code it?  Thank you for your help!! :-)

RichardP

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Re: Epilepsy Coding
« Reply #3 on: May 24, 2015, 02:00:55 PM »
As a general rule, and in terms of the level of specificity known, simple comes before complex.  All things pass through simple before they get to complex.  We are not talking about the order in which things appear in a book here.  We are talking about the order in which physical ailments and disease develop.

kperillo

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Re: Epilepsy Coding
« Reply #4 on: May 24, 2015, 02:03:54 PM »
Thank you so much!!! :-)

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Epilepsy Coding
« Reply #4 on: May 24, 2015, 02:03:54 PM »