coding for rectal to skin fistula

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in CDI Talk Archive
We are having some confusion about how to code a rectal-abdominal fistula s/p transverse colostomy w/hartmann's procedure. There was a fistula from the rectal stump to the abdomen. Any coders out there I appreciate your help. When the coder puts it into 3M software she comes up with an unspecified code 9986. Does anyone know how we could show this more accurately?
Also the pt had a retracted stoma...would this be considered a complication?

Comments

  • kshumpertkshumpert
    edited May 2016
    I have seen stomas retract on patients that have gained weight. I wouldn't necessarily call it a complication unless it was clear that it was in fact related to the procedure. Just my opinion...


    Kathy Shumpert, RN, BSN

    Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
    Howard Regional Health System
    Office 765-864-8754
    Pager 765-604-0424
    Fax 765-453-8152

    Proofread carefully to see if you any words out. ~Author Unknown



  • Unknown
    edited May 2016
    Thanks. I didn't think it was a complication. It wasn't stated that way.
    Just wanted to be clear because the coder asked.

    Thanks
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