Opinions please

I need some input on a case. Here's the scenario:



79 year old female presented for planned sigmoid resection for suspected
cancer. H&P states "h/o diverticular disease." Treated at another
facility prior to surgery for sigmoid lesion on CT. Inflammatory process
could not be ruled out. Treated with antibiotics and recovered.
Subsequent colonoscopy revealed sigmoid mass. Path report positive for
sigmoid carcinoma.



Anesthesia record documented diverticulitis. Clinical nutrition saw
patient x 3 and documented h/o diverticulitis. High fiber diet
recommended and ordered.



Documentation by attending surgeon was sketchy at best. Diverticulitis
was not mentioned again in record. The patient's LOS was on day longer
than bowel resection without cc.



We're debating about whether or not diverticulitis meets the UHDDS
criteria for a reportable secondary diagnosis. What do you think?



Cathy Seluke, RN, BSN, ACM, CCDS

Supervisor Clinical Documentation Compliance

MaineGeneral Medical Center

149 North Street

Waterville, ME 04901

Phone (207) 872-1796

Fax (207) 872-1519

Cathy.Seluke@mainegeneral.org





"That's why erasers were put on pencils."

--Robert Lovely c. 1960 when asked if he ever made
mistakes

Comments

  • edited May 2016
    I would probably query if the diverticulitis was present or only by hx
    and if hx, would not use as a cc.


    Karen McKaig, BSN, RN, CCM, CPUR
    Case Manager
    Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Baxter Regional Medical Center
    Mountain Home, AR 72653
    870-508-1499
    kmckaig@baxterregional.org



  • I concur, I think I would query because it is unclear and ambiguous.
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