PDX: Pneumonia vs AE COPD

dimoor103@outlook.comdimoor103@outlook.com
in Clinical & Coding
When a patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Pneumonia, and also has an exacerbation of their COPD, which one is the PDX? I've worked at several facilities, ( am a traveling CDI), and this has been an ongoing discussion.  Some of my fellow CDI / coder peers have now opted to code the Pneumonia as the primary since it is this seems to be the driving diagnosis for the admission.  The secondary dx --exacerbation of the COPD is the manifestation/phenomenon that is brought about by the new illness from the Pneumonia.  Other coders are coding the AE COPD as principle with capture of an MCC PNA. There doesn't seem to be any coding guidelines to direct which way is correct.  Also, is Pneumonia then the lower respiratory infection for the AE COPD? There seems to be no guidance for this in I10 either.
Thanks
Diane

Comments

  • proddy@clarionhospital.orgproddy@clarionhospital.org
    My understanding is that if both conditions are Present on admission and equally treated, you can use the one that is weighted higher.  I think the treatment being equal is key
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