pulmonary emphysema

danielle.stevens@essentiahealth.orgdanielle.stevens@essentiahealth.org
in Home Care Coding General
I've read the guidelines in this section a couple of times just want a second opinion, is it ok to code COPD and pulmonary emphysema together? J44.9 and j43.9.

Thanks :)

Danie Stevens
Home Health Coder, RHIT
Essentia Health St. Mary's
114 Frazee Street East Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
218-314-7857
Danielle.Stevens@essentiahealth.org

Comments

  • lkpengellkpengel
    edited April 2017
    They can not be coded together.

    Coding Tips (J43)
    When a diagnosis supports coding a more specific code for emphysema, such as interstitial emphysema (J98.2), compensatory emphysema (J98.3), or subcutaneous emphysema due to trauma (T79.7), then do not assign J43.-, but assign the more specific code.
    Codes in the subclassification J43 include respiratory insufficiency, therefore do not assign R06.89 as an additional code. However, respiratory failure, if documented, should be coded.
    Do not assign a code from J43.- when the physician documentation reports emphysema with COPD, chronic obstructive bronchitis or emphysematous bronchitis. Emphysema with COPD, bronchitis and emphysematous bronchitis should be coded to J44.- and cannot be coded on the same claim as J43.-.
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