Q&A coding seizures in an epileptic patient

[GinaB]

Hi,

Can I please get opinions on the correct diagnosis coding for seizure (in an epileptic patient)? If final diagnosis code is seizure, but the patient also has epilepsy, should you code to 780.39 or go to the 345.xx series of codes?
Thanks for any opinions in advance.

 

[Ruth Sheets]

This topic was covered by Alicia Scott during the June 2015 Q&A Webinar. She covered epilepsy, different types of seizures, and intractability. If you missed it join the CCO Club to get full the transcript, answer sheets, access to the recording, and a chance to earn 1.5 AAPC CEUs. You will also get access to all the available monthly Q&A webinar resources when you join the CCO Club!

To answer your specific question, GinaB:
For a patient with epilepsy, you’re going to code 345.X1. The patient has epilepsy and they haven’t had a seizure for a long time, but then they have one, it would be 345.X1, where the 4th digit is used to specify the type of seizure.