BMI

tpeyton

We use meditech and the EMR has the BMI calculated on the header.  As a coder or RN CDI can we use this to code the BMI when we have a supporting diagnosis of (ie-obesity, malnutrition etc)?  We are being told if the that this can be used because there is a nursing assessment which puts in the height and weight.  And we should just calculate the BMI from this. 

My concern is I was always taught the BMI can be documented by the dietician or physician or a nurse involved in the clinical treatment of the pt. 

bbogda@morrishospital.org

We use Meditch and use the BMI from the header.  When the height and weight are entered either by the nurse or patient care assistant in an assessment, the system auto-calculates the BMI and is displayed in the assessment and in the header.  The Official Guidelines say 'other clinicians' may enter the BMI, it doesn't specify who but gives examples of nurse, dietician and EMT. 
The most important thing is that the doctor documents the diagnosis or condition relevant to the BMI - that is what a reviewer will be looking for, not who entered the BMI.