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Code Assignment for Hemoptysis with Pneumonia

Published on 

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

 | RAC Information 
 | FAQ 

Q:

In ICD-9-CM, hemorrhagic was listed as one of the modifiers for pneumonia so it couldn’t be coded separately; however, it has been removed as a modifier for ICD-10-CM.  Can we now code hemoptysis in addition to a diagnosis of pneumonia?

A:

Yes.  Since hemorrhagic is no longer a non-essential modifier for pneumonia, coders can assign an additional code for it.  Even though hemoptysis is a sign and/or symptom, it may be reported in addition to a code for pneumonia, because it is not routinely associated with the diagnosis.

 

References:

Coding Clinic, Fourth Quarter 2013: Page 118

Article Author: Debbie Rubio, BS MT (ASCP)
Debbie Rubio, BS MT (ASCP), was the Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance at Medical Management Plus, Inc. Debbie has over twenty-seven years of experience in healthcare including nine years as the Clinical Compliance Coordinator at a large multi-facility health system. In her current position, Debbie monitors, interprets and communicates current and upcoming regulatory and compliance issues as they relate to specific entities concerning Medicare and other payers.

This material was compiled to share information.  MMP, Inc. is not offering legal advice. Every reasonable effort has been taken to ensure the information is accurate and useful.