You have requested access to member-only content.
Do both conditions truly meet the definition of principal diagnosis?
According to the ICD-9-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, it’s unusual for two or more diagnoses to meet the definition of principal diagnosis. Coders know the opposite is true. William E. Haik, MD, FCCP, CDIP, Donna Didier, MEd, RHIA, CCS, and Cheryl Ericson, MS, RN, CCDS, CDIP, offer tips for determining whether multiple conditions meet the criteria for principal diagnosis.
This is an excerpt from member-only content. Please log in or become a member.
Please Log In
Unable to log in?
Click here to reset your password or unlock your account.
Forgot your username?
Contact customer care at customerservice@hcpro.com or call 800-650-6787, between 8 AM - 5 PM CT
Not a member? Let's fix that!
JustCoding is the continuing education website for coding professionals. Whether you're an inpatient or outpatient coder, a veteran or new to the job, JustCoding will keep your skills sharp, test your coding knowledge, and help you stay abreast of CMS changes.
Register to access the free content available through the JustCoding site or subscribe to a Basic or Platinum membership to access paid content on this site. Click here for more information.
For questions and support, please call customer service: 800-650-6787.