Q&A Inpatient vs. Outpatient Coding

[Laura_H]

I'm having a difficult time distinguishing between how coding is done for each side (In - and - Out). Are we coding everything (e.g. Signs & symptoms) in outpatient and just the definitive diagnosis on the inpatient, or do I have them confused?

Laura

 

[Ruth Sheets]

Laureen Jandroep discussed this topic in the June 2015 Q&A Webinar. She went over the rules for example, inpatient coders can code for suspected diseases but outpatient coders may not. You only code signs and symptoms if they are not part of a definitive diagnosis.

If you missed the webinar, it is a great idea to sign up for the CCO Club. That way you will get access to the recording of the webinar, conveniently divided into video clips by topic. You also get the transcript, answer sheets, and a chance to earn 1.5 AAPC CEUs for the webinar by passing a 15 question quiz. Not only that, but you can access all the available resources for past webinars, too!