Directions It is important for coders to be familiar with the ICD-10-CM code book. It also important for students learning to code to practice coding from scenarios. This assignment asks you to code a scenario and write down the steps you took to arrive at the accurate code. Taking the time to write down the steps will allow you and your instructor to ensure you are following the proper steps to diagnostic coding.

QUESTION

Directions
It is important for coders to be familiar with the ICD-10-CM code book. It also important for students learning to code to practice coding from scenarios. This assignment asks you to code a scenario and write down the steps you took to arrive at the accurate code. Taking the time to write down the steps will allow you and your instructor to ensure you are following the proper steps to diagnostic coding.

You will have one attempt to complete this assignment.

Select the assignment title to begin.

For the provided scenario, determine what you would look up in the index. After you have found the correct code(s), write down each step you took to assign the diagnosis code(s).

Refer to the rubric to see how you will be graded. Select the rubric document below to open it.

Reflection Rubric.docx Reflection Rubric.docx – Alternative Formats

Scenario:

Paul is a 55-year old male admitted today for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease with behavioral disturbance.

Questions:

1. What CM code(s) should you assign to this scenario?
2. What are the steps you took to arrive at the code(s)?

Select the assignment title to submit your work.

ANSWER

Coding Scenario: Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease with Behavioral Disturbance

Introduction

In this assignment, we will assign the appropriate ICD-10-CM code(s) to a scenario involving Paul, a 55-year-old male who has been admitted for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease with behavioral disturbance. We will outline the steps taken to arrive at the correct diagnosis code(s) using the ICD-10-CM code book.

Step 1: Understand the Scenario

The first step is to carefully read and understand the scenario provided. In this case, Paul, a 55-year-old male, has been admitted for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease with behavioral disturbance. This information will guide us in identifying the relevant code(s) in the ICD-10-CM code book.

Step 2: Locate the Main Term

Next, we need to locate the main term in the Alphabetic Index of the ICD-10-CM code book. In this scenario, the main term is “Alzheimer’s disease.” We will look for the term “Alzheimer’s disease” in the Alphabetic Index (Home Health Coding Center | Code Faster. Code Compliantly. || Home Care Matters Monthly Ezine, n.d.).

Step 3: Verify the Main Term

After locating the main term, we need to verify that it matches the description of the patient’s condition. In this case, “early-onset Alzheimer’s disease with behavioral disturbance” matches our main term, “Alzheimer’s disease.”

Step 4: Determine the Subterms

Once we have verified the main term, we need to determine if any subterms further describe the patient’s condition. In this scenario, the subterm is “with behavioral disturbance.” We will now look for this subterm under the main term in the Alphabetic Index.

Step 5: Identify the Appropriate Code(s)

Upon finding the subterm “with behavioral disturbance” under the main term “Alzheimer’s disease,” we will note the corresponding code(s). The code(s) associated with the scenario will provide a more specific description of the condition and any additional details, such as the type or severity of behavioral disturbance.

Step 6: Verify Code(s) in Tabular List

To ensure accuracy, we must verify the code(s) found in the Alphabetic Index by referencing the Tabular List. The Tabular List provides further details and instructions for assigning the appropriate code(s) (Cartwright, 2013). We will review the code(s) obtained from the Alphabetic Index in the relevant section of the Tabular List to confirm their accuracy.

Conclusion

Based on the scenario provided, the appropriate ICD-10-CM code(s) to assign would involve locating the main term “Alzheimer’s disease” in the Alphabetic Index and then identifying the subterm “with behavioral disturbance.” The specific code(s) obtained will depend on the information provided in the Tabular List.

By following the steps outlined above, we can accurately assign the ICD-10-CM code(s) for Paul’s diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease with behavioral disturbance. This process ensures adherence to the proper steps of diagnostic coding, facilitating clear communication and accurate documentation of the patient’s condition for medical and billing purposes.

References

Cartwright, D. (2013). ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM Codes: What? Why? How? Advances in Wound Care, 2(10), 588–592. https://doi.org/10.1089/wound.2013.0478 

Home Health Coding Center | Code faster. Code Compliantly. || Home Care Matters Monthly Ezine. (n.d.). https://decisionhealth.com/getstartedhhcc/resources.html