ICD-9 Coding
A diagnosis is the foundation of all patient visits. It is the medical necessity of why the patient is seeing the rheumatologist. A diagnosis should not be assigned to a patient until all clinical data have been reviewed and a final judgment is made. Until a definitive diagnosis is determined, the symptoms should be coded to support the medical necessity for the visit or procedure.
Coding Example
A 66-year-old Caucasian male with a two-month history of right-foot joint pain and swelling presents to the rheumatologist. The symptoms have significantly improved since onset. His history is suspicious for insect envenomation that is resolving, and he is left with some residual swelling. His history and exam are not consistent with a systemic inflammatory arthritis or gouty process, and he is further evaluated. The patient also has a history of hyperlipidemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and migraines.
Which ICD-9 Codes Are Correct?
- 719.47, 719.07
- 714.9, 274.01
- 714.0, 989.5, 719.4
- 719.07, 719.47, 274.01, 989.5, 719.4
