What would you do with the +/- contrast nephropathy?

dbeiseldentondbeiseldenton
in CDI Talk Archive
Just wondering how you would interpret this diagnostic statement -

Acute renal failure, likely due to intravascular volume depletion/hemodynamic instability, +/- contrast nephropathy.

My question is related to the plus/minus contrast nephropathy.
Plus/minus seems to me the physician is just taking a guess. I'm wondering if to query or not for toxic, due to other specified and look at this as a possible, suspected cause or leave it alone.

What are your thoughts?

Comments

  • kerryseekircherkerryseekircher
    edited March 2016
    You may have a query opportunity for ATN as contrast and hypotension can be some of the underlying causes. I would look at the other clinical indicators-how long as has the creatinine been elevated (typically with ATN you will see a delayed response/greater than 72 hours to return toward baseline following IVF)?
    Here is a resource:
    http://www.acphospitalist.org/archives/2015/06/coding-acute-kidney-injury.htm

    Kerry Seekircher, RN, BS, CCDS, CDIP
    Clinical Documentation Program Manager
    Northern Westchester Hospital
    400 East Main Street
    Mount Kisco, NY 10549
    Email: kseekircher@nwhc.net
    Phone: 914-666-1243
    Fax: 914-666-1013




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