Coding Corner Answer

A. 719.47— Pain in joint, ankle and foot; and 719.07—hydrarthrosis, swelling of joint, with or without pain.

The other problems listed are not coded for this visit because the rheumatologist is not treating them at this time. A condition that is suspected cannot be coded until the diagnosis has been confirmed by either lab tests or X-rays. Therefore, in this case, it is acceptable to code the symptoms of this patient.

Keep in mind that a diagnosis will follow a patient for the rest of his or her life, so it is extremely important to be accurate when assigning a diagnosis code to a patient. For assistance with any coding issues, contact Melesia Tillman, CPC, CRHC, CHA, at (404) 633-3777, ext. 820 or at [email protected].

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