help with a pt coding

tpeytontpeyton
in CDI Talk Archive
I have a pt that my coder and I would like an opinion on how to code please.

This is a 20 yo f who was treated for an abscess in her arm. It was documented in several places that she was a nursing student who let other students practice starting iv's on her. She developed the abscess and cellulitis after this. She also went to the or and had an excisional debridement done.

We are curious to see how others would code this chart.

Tracy Peyton RN, CCDS
Bradford Regional Medical Center
tpeyton@brmc.com

Comments

  • rvanvughtrvanvught
    edited May 2016
    I think that if the physician makes a link that the IV insertions directly caused the infection (which I am sure it did), you would have to code 999.39, infection following infusion, injection, transfusion or vaccination, even if it was self-inflicted. There was a recent coding clinic about a self-inflicted PICC infection and they advised to code the complication code. Very interesting case.

    Robin

  • katysuegood@gmail.comkatysuegood@gmail.com
    edited May 2016
    Query for a link unless its clearly established.

    Katy Good, RN, BSN, CCDS, CCS
    Clinical Documentation Program Coordinator
    AHIMA Approved ICD-10CM/PCS Trainer
    Flagstaff Medical Center
    Kathryn.Good@nahealth.com
    Cell: 928.814.9404


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