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Code for nutritionist

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Michele:
Is she just unsure as to what order to put the diagnoses?  Or does she not understand the ICD-9 system?  If she doesn't know what order to put them in, she should code the first diagnosis as the main or primary reason for the visit, and then so on.  The patient is obese, and pregnant, is the main reason for the visit due to the pregnancy?  And the complications that the obesity brings to it?  Then the correct pregnancy diagnosis would be primary followed by the obesity.  Also, what did the OB put on the script? 

Michele

PMRNC:

--- Quote ---The patient is obese, and pregnant, is the main reason for the visit due to the pregnancy?  And the complications that the obesity brings to it?  Then the correct pregnancy diagnosis would be primary followed by the obesity.  Also, what did the OB put on the script?
--- End quote ---

It is important to note that all our advice is completely MOOT if this stuff isn't documented in the patient's charge. If it wasn't documented it wasn't done.  That's why I wouldn't be comfortable giving dx codes w/out at LEAST knowing what's in the chart and that's my point. The provider has to go back into the chart to see what diagnosis was documented.

Pay_My_Claims:

--- Quote from: PMRNC on August 15, 2009, 01:03:54 PM ---
--- Quote ---The patient is obese, and pregnant, is the main reason for the visit due to the pregnancy?  And the complications that the obesity brings to it?  Then the correct pregnancy diagnosis would be primary followed by the obesity.  Also, what did the OB put on the script?
--- End quote ---

It is important to note that all our advice is completely MOOT if this stuff isn't documented in the patient's charge. If it wasn't documented it wasn't done.  That's why I wouldn't be comfortable giving dx codes w/out at LEAST knowing what's in the chart and that's my point. The provider has to go back into the chart to see what diagnosis was documented.

--- End quote ---

Understood, I pointed out that although 278.00 ( a code I know so well) is for obesity...look at the other ones. Its to stress the point that you shouldn't be putting dx codes down without authorization. I agree 100%  that the physician should give her dx, or hire a coder if she isn't sure how to properly code it herself. I don't mind giving out a code, because regardless of what we do, those that don't want to heed the advice will "google" it or look in a ICD-9 book and pick a code. I refuse to say the correct code to use is 649.12 when I have no earthly idea if it is or not.

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