Coding BiPap via an ETT
Published on
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Did You Know?
When a patient has bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPap) delivered through an endotracheal tube (ETT), the procedure code is different that BiPap (5A09x57), and the case groups to a different DRG.
Why It Matters
When BiPap is delivered through an ETT or tracheostomy, the PCS alpha index sends us to see Performance, Respiratory (5A19###).
Alphabetic Index:
BiPAP – see Assistance, Respiratory 5A09
Via
Endotracheal Tube or Tracheostomy –see Performance, Respiratory
Example: If a patient has a principal diagnosis of pneumonia, unspecified (J18.9), with a secondary diagnosis of acute respiratory failure with hypoxia (J96.01), and the patient is placed on Bipap without an ETT, the case groups to DRG 193 (Simple pneumonia and pleurisy with MCC) with a relative weight of 1.3107.
However, if this same patient is placed on BiPap, via an ETT or tracheostomy, the case groups to DRG 208 (Respiratory system diagnosis with ventilator support) with a relative weight of 2.5423.
Accurate coding of BiPap, via an ETT or tracheostomy, will not only group to a higher-weighted DRG, realizing more appropriate reimbursement, but it will also help to support the resources your facility spends on a patient. p>
What Should I Do?
Thoroughly review the record:
- Watch for words like “intubation” or “successfully intubated”
- Review any procedure reports
- Review all respiratory sheets
- Review nursing notes
References:
- ICD-10-PCS Official Coding Book
- Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM/PCS, 2014, page 3
Article Author: Susie James, RHIT, CCS
Susie James, RHIT, CCS, is the Manager of Inpatient Coding Services at MMP, Inc. Susie has worked in the coding field for over 30 years and has worked as a coder, coding supervisor, and corporate coding manager for a large multi-facility system in Birmingham. She also worked for Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation (AQAF) as a coding reviewer/auditor before joining the team at Medical Management Plus, Inc. Susie has previously served as the President of the Alabama Association of Health Information Management (AAHIM) on the Board of Directors and currently serves as the Education/Coding Roundtable Chair. She is also a member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and has previously served as the Co-chair for AHIMA's Leadership Team. She also served as a facilitator at AHIMA's 85th National Convention in Atlanta Georgia.
