AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2011 Issue 1; Ask the Editor

Postoperative Aspiration Pneumonia

What is the correct code assignment for a diagnosis of postoperative aspiration pneumonia? ICD-9-CM’s Tabular List under code 997.39 provides the following inclusion terms: “Pneumonia (aspiration) resulting from a procedure.” However, the instructional note under category 997 states, “Use additional code to identify complication.” Should code 997.39, Respiratory complications, Other respiratory complications, be assigned along with code 507.0, Pneumonitis due to solids and liquids, Due to inhalation of food or vomitus, to describe postsurgical aspiration pneumonia? ...

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