HELP!

dvitalone1

We have varying opinions on the PDX selection for these scenarios and nothing in coding clinic regarding either.

Two cases: Patients admitted with severe swelling of the throat which caused airway obstruction and necessitated intubation to protect the airway. Patients transferred to ICU.
Diagnosis: One case reported Sialadenitis as the pdx the other angioneurotic edema. Is the swelling causing the obstruction included in the diagnosis or can the obstruction be coded separately.

lspryszak

When I researched this disease facial swelling was considered one of the associated findings. I would guess that not every patient with this condition, however, requires prophylactic intubation due to angioedema.

That being said, I would use the disease as the PDx rather than the angiodedema when it is appropriate (new diagnosis versus chronic diagnosis).

Unknown

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julie.cruz-sje

Since pt improved with abx, could this have been a "bacterial infection of unkown source"? This would go to DRG 869-867. Could query MD to utilize this DRG.
I love this DRG, but I rarely use it.

Julie Cruz RN, CDS

Clinical Documentation Specialist
St. Joseph Health
2700 Dolbeer St
Eureka, CA 95501
wk: 707-445-8121 ext. 7550
cell: 707-267-0973

deanne_wilk

I would shoot for a toxic encephalopathy on that as principal.

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