Patient has COPD and angina pectoris, increasing pleural effusion, Ultrasound guided tap was done and pleural biopsy. Patient was found to have malignant mesothelioma. Discharge Diagnoses: Malignant mesothelioma , left chest; left sided pleural effusion, malignant; severe emphysema with acute exacerbation and angina pectoris. I have coded for malignant mesothelioma, severe COPD with acute exacerbation.; angina pectoris, ultra sound guided tap and pleural biopsy. Should I code for the pleural effusion? I ask because, isn't the pleural effusion part of emphysema? Should I code one or the other or both? thanks.
Not really sure what you mean by coding. I have a Medtronic ICD,COPD,conjective heart failure, and in remission with lung cancer but I have not heard anything about coding. How do you code? this has my curiosity up. Emphysema is part of COPD along with Bronchitis.
Maybe there are others like me that don't understand.would you explain the coding part for us and then maybe we could help each other.lol Thanks
"HOOKS"
I need help coding an inpatient scenario with ICD-9. Any coders out there?
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It means the doctor suspects lung cancer but he or she is not certain with out further tests. CT scan, MRI, or tissue biopsy.