z51.89
A clinician is asking me to code Z51.89 for a patient that is having PT/OT for gait therapy.
I told her to use the reason for gait issue. In order to assign this code, does the patient need to have had surgery? She is firm that I code it primary.
Brenda Hoss
Coder
I told her to use the reason for gait issue. In order to assign this code, does the patient need to have had surgery? She is firm that I code it primary.
Brenda Hoss
Coder
Comments
What was the reason behind the referral for Home Health? I try to stay
away from Z51.89 and try to use more specific codes that better describe
why we're seeing the pt. If there are documented gait deviations the PT is
working to correct, then the R26.89 is a better code. R53.1 for weakness
(systemic deconditioning). R29.6 if there were falls and the reason for
fall is being investigated (HH assessing pattern and home safety). Z91.81
for Hx of falls (fall in past and pt remains at risk).
The Z51.89 code is for "Encounter for other aftercare and medical care" so
I don't believe there needs to have been a surgery in order to use it.
*Karla Gambrill PT, DPTClinical Coordinator of Therapy ServicesHMC Home
Health(908) 788-6672*
Karla is correct.
PB