tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2018 Issue 3

Reader Question: Differentiate Flu From Flu-Like Symptoms

Question: We have had a record number of patients coming to the ED with flu-like symptoms, but only about half of them actually have the flu. Which diagnosis codes should we append to these visits? Supercoder.com Subscriber Answer: In cases when the patient doesn't actually have the flu, you'll link the visit to the symptoms. Symptoms that you will commonly see include fever (R50.9, Fever, unspecified) with chills, cough (R05, Cough); malaise (R53.81, Other malaise); headache (R51, Headache); nasal congestion (R09.81, Nasal congestion); and soreness of the throat (J02.9, Acute pharyngitis, unspecified). You might...

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