Ask the Expert

Q: We have a patient that was admitted with sepsis due to COVID-19 who also has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). How should we report this in ICD-10-CM, and which MS-DRG would this be assigned to?

Q: We have had patients admitted with both sepsis and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). How should these two diagnoses be sequenced in ICD-10-CM?

Our coding experts answer questions about reporting COVID-19 diagnoses, CPT coding for spinal procedures, and more.

Q: When would it be appropriate to apply modifier -62 (two surgeons) on claims for spinal procedures performed by co-surgeons, and what effect would this have on physician reimbursement?

Q: If an inpatient is transferred before we receive a positive novel coronavirus (COVID-19) lab result, do we need to query the provider to amend the discharge summary to state “COVID-19 positive”?

Q: What level of supervision is required for wound care services performed in an off-campus, provider-based outpatient department?

Q: How should we report positive COVID-19 cases in ICD-10-CM without respiratory manifestations or any signs or symptoms and no prior suspected exposure?

Q: Would it be appropriate to report an E/M visit code with a CPT code for wound debridement?

Q: If a patient is admitted with both gram-negative pneumonia and acute respiratory failure, which should be sequenced as the principal diagnosis?

Q: Which ICD-10-CM codes would we use to report an emergency department (ED) encounter for a patient presumed to have COVID-19 who does not undergo diagnostic testing?