BC Advantage - 2023 Issue 7

Identifying the Admitting, Principal, Primary, and Secondary Diagnoses

Knowing how to differentiate the admitting, principal, primary, and secondary diagnoses for reporting and sequencing purposes can be intimidating and confusing. The following are some commonly asked questions related to reporting diagnoses in the facility setting. For example:What is the difference between the principal diagnosis and the primary, or admitting diagnosis?Why is it so important to identify a principal diagnosis?Can the principal diagnosis and primary diagnosis be the same diagnosis?Do we use the same terminology for diagnoses in the office or other outpatient setting?Sequencing diagnoses is important for every place of service and healthcare...

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