Q&A Inpatient Coding concern

[Sujidha]

Hi All

I have one concern in Inpatient coding.

Patient admitted with abd pain, abd distension , N/V, patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis with hepatitis C. Ascites was diagnosed and pt underwent paracentesis for that which relieved the symptoms. Ascites is the frequently ongoing problem for patient therefore it was decided to do TIPS procedure in patient. In the final diagnosis its documented as " Hepatic cirrhosis with ascites." What will be the Pdx for this scenario.

Thanks

 

[Lori Woods]

Hello Sujidha! I am still a student but I think I would code it 303.00 Alcohol dependence syndrome, 571.2 Alcoholic cirrhosis of liver, & 789.59 other ascites.

 

[Alicia Scott]

The things that jump out at me are:
Cirrhosis, Liver, Alcoholic
Ascites
Hep. C

 

[Lori Woods]

Thank you Alicia.Would it be the 070.51 or 070.70 & why? I wasn't sure if the Cirrhosis code would cover the alcoholism it's so hard to remember it all & when or when not to use things it's just mind boggling sometimes. I love how you just soak up everything with such enthusiasm I enjoyed the video of you & Laureen at the conference, but where were your Mickey ears? haha.

 

[Sujidha]

Thanks Alicia and Lori for the clarification, as my concern was since the w/u was completely based on ascites, so whether I need to proceed with Ascites as PDx.
One more concern if in the final dx there is no mention of connection between cirrhosis and ascites, then in that type of scenario what will be the Pdx. And how to code Hep C in this scenario, as there is documentation of Hep C as hx and the hospital don't have records of viral study, and in this visit they are not performing any viral panel, patient is not on any medication currently for Hep C??

Thanks in advance