Aspiration PN and Acute Respiratory Failure

ljpawlowskiljpawlowski
in Clinical & Coding

Hello!

I am sorry if this has been asked before..

What is the principal Dx for a patient admitted with "Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia related to pneumonia, likely due to aspiration."

Have you found a written rule anywhere related to sequencing in this situation?

Thank you!!

-Lisa P

Comments

  • bbogda@morrishospital.orgbbogda@morrishospital.org
    Aspiration pneumonia is PDx with Acute resp failure as mcc.

    C. Chapter-Specific Coding Guidelines

    10. Chapter 10: Diseases of the Respiratory System (J00-J99) 

    3) Sequencing of acute respiratory failure and another acute condition

    • When a patient is admitted with respiratory failure and another acute condition, (e.g., myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, aspiration pneumonia), the principal diagnosis will not be the same in every situation. This applies whether the other acute condition is a respiratory or nonrespiratory condition. Selection of the principal diagnosis will be dependent on the circumstances of admission. If both the respiratory failure and the other acute condition are equally responsible for occasioning the admission to the hospital, and there are no chapter-specific sequencing rules, the guideline regarding two or more diagnoses that equally meet the definition for principal diagnosis (Section II, C.) may be applied in these situations.
    • If the documentation is not clear as to whether acute respiratory failure and another condition are equally responsible for occasioning the admission, query the provider for clarification.  
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