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FAQ: Expected Blood Loss Anemia after Surgery

Published on 

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

 | RAC Information 
 | FAQ 

Q:

Would you code acute blood loss anemia if the surgeon specifies that acute blood loss anemia is expected after surgery?  Also, acute blood loss anemia was documented after surgery.


A:

Since acute blood loss anemia was documented after surgery, code (D62) for the acute blood loss anemia even though the surgeon said that blood loss was expected.  However, if acute blood loss anemia is not documented after surgery but there are clinical signs and symptoms of blood loss, do not code the acute blood loss anemia.  If anemia is documented after surgery with no further specificity, query the physician for clarification.

References

Coding Clinic, Third Quarter, 2004, page 4
Coding clinic, Second Quarter, 1992, pages 15-16

Article Author:

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.