Morbid obesity

ccoelewis@centurylink.netccoelewis@centurylink.net
in Home Care Coding General
Dr. has stated morbid obesity with aveolar hypoventilation. Can this be a primary DX? Does have SOB falls muscle weakness etc. But not finding any thing else ie: chf, copd etc.
Thanks

Comments

  • Nancy.Wolverton@kindred.comNancy.Wolverton@kindred.com
    edited April 2017
    Hi Cydnee,
    Morbid obesity is major contributor to breathing difficulties such as SOB with minimal exertion.
    Hypoventilation is common in morbid and super obese individuals. I worked in a bariatrics unit in the hospital for several years. It's a mechanical thing. At rest, the fat layers press upon the throat and interfere with air exchange in the trachea, thus hypoventilation.
    Code the hypoventilation (unless the coding guidelines say code underlying condition first), followed by the morbid obese code. Hopefully you have the BMI too and can code it as well. Hypoventilation in morbid obesity justifies DME (like a CPAP or BiPAP), SN to assess resp status, therapy to mobilize the patient.
    Hope this helps.

    Nancy Wolverton RN,CCM
    QR Specialist, Central Office
    5800 West 10th St., Suite 300
    Little Rock, AR. 72205
    Ph# 501-280-4913
    Fax# 501-280-4385
    Nancy.Wolverton@arkansas.gov
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