ICD10 PCS - Use of Qualifier

Team,
Do you always use the diagnostic qualifier for all surgeries with a pathology report? I had a patient come in for procedure with known diagnosis for inpatient surgery. Of course the removed intestine was sent to pathology for identification. Does the diagnostic qualifier still get used? It significantly lowers the DRG on this case.

Thanks,
Syndi

Syndi Hudson, RN, CCDS,CCM
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa New Braunfels
CDI Specialist
cynthia.hudson@christushealth.org
830-643-6116 (Office)
830-643-5139 (Fax)
[CCDS_pin_1inch]
"We are His hands". Isaiah 64:8



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Comments

  • edited March 2016
    Official Coding Guidelines: The qualifier "Diagnostic" is used only for biopsies.

    For the definitive surgery, you don't use "diagnostic."

    Robert S. Gold, MD
    CEO, DCBA, Inc
    4611 Brierwood Place
    Atlanta, GA 30360
    (770) 216-9691 (Office)
    (404) 580-0204 (Cell)

  • Thanks so much. I felt that was correct but am getting some pushback from coding. I sent them a coding clinic I found.

    Syndi Hudson, RN, CCDS,CCM
    CHRISTUS Santa Rosa New Braunfels
    CDI Specialist
    cynthia.hudson@christushealth.org
    830-643-6116 (Office)
    830-643-5139 (Fax)
    [CCDS_pin_1inch]
    "We are His hands". Isaiah 64:8

  • edited March 2016
    You go, Syndy!

    Robert S. Gold, MD
    CEO, DCBA, Inc
    4611 Brierwood Place
    Atlanta, GA 30360
    (770) 216-9691 (Office)
    (404) 580-0204 (Cell)

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