Q&A History of bullimia nervosa

[Lori Woods]

Is Bulimia Nervosa (307.51) always considered "active"?

For example, "History of Alcoholism" is always classified as "Alcoholism". So would History of Bulimia Nervosa be coded as 307.51? I can't decide because 1) It is a mental disorder that can require medication and/or therapy which becomes a life-long battle 2) On the other side of that, if you don't have active signs of it, it would be considered in "remission" and you don't code it.

 

[Lori Woods]

This question was asked by Angel Gurley at Create A Coder I said if it was in remission & not being treated to use V11.8 as a history, but if it is currently being treated to use the 307.51 would this be correct?

 

[Alicia Scott]

I would not code a hx code for this. Let me think.....be very careful with the documentation. Is the person getting ANY tx or care for the BN? From counseling, medication or addressed during the exam? You can not assume it is always there though. I didn't go look for the hx codes but don't think there is one. The V11.8 might work but there better be some documentation to follow it because that is not a code you would want on your record. Before I did it I would queay the doc and explain then ask what he wanted. An active BN code or a hx of mental illness.

 

[Lori Woods]

Thanks Alicia I didn't feel there was enough info to decide.