Title: Module 12 Coding Diseases
Course: Introduction to Coding and Classification Systems > Section: Module 12: Coding Diseases of the Respiratory, Digestive and Urinary Systems

Introduction

Excellent work keeping on point! The next few weeks will require a lot of work to complete the course. In Module 12 you will learn to code diseases of the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. In addition, diseases of the skin and musculoskeletal system will be discussed.

In the next five chapters, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23, completing only every other question in each of the exercises is required for your assignments.

It is necessary though to read the chapters in full to learn particular instructions when to coding respiratory failure as the principal diagnosis, sequencing COPD, pulmonary edema, combination codes for ulcers, intestinal hemorrhage, urinary tract infections, hypertension and kidney disease, fourth and fifth characters, dermatitis, cellulitis, and laterality when coding musculoskeletal conditions.

NOTE: Only code for avian flu or novel H1N1 flu if the case is confirmed. Terms such as "suspected" are not adequate to establish a classification.

It is important to understand the sequencing guidelines of acute respiratory failure. The principal diagnosis will depend on the individual patient's situation and what caused the admission of the patient to the hospital. This guideline applies regardless of whether the other acute condition is a respiratory or non-respiratory condition.

There are many combination codes used when coding diseases of the digestive system. Combination codes are provided for gastric, gastrojejunal, and duodenal ulcers that indicate whether is associated bleeding, associated, perforation or both. These codes also state whether the condition is either acute or chronic ulcers.

ICD-10-CM classifies chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the basis of severity, stages 1-5. Otherwise, chronic renal failure, chronic insufficiency, chronic renal failure, and unspecified kidney disease are coded to chronic kidney disease, unspecified, when severity is not indicated. Read the directions for coding certain types of kidney diseases with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and acute kidney failure.

Pressure ulcers of the skin are combination codes that identify the site of the pressure ulcer and the stage of the ulcer, stages 1-4 or unspecified. Take note of the explanations regarding the coding of "unstageable" pressure ulcer and documented as such. This is not the same as unspecified and must be guided by the clinical documentation provided in the health record.

Most of the codes in the musculoskeletal section of ICD-10-CM provide laterality designations. If no multiple sites code is available, then each site is coded separately. A pathological fracture is a fracture that occurs when the bone is weakened by disease such as osteoporosis, metastatic neoplasms, or Paget's disease, as a few examples.

Course Outcomes

- Recognizes the basic coding steps for coding medical diagnosis in both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM. (1)
- Comprehends the basic coding guidelines established by the American Hospital Association for both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10CM. (2)
- Converts medical documentation into both ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes. (3)
- Interprets medical documentation to assign accurate codes for reimbursement of health care services. (4)
- Applies the official coding guidelines to the coding of medical diagnosis for all body systems (circulatory, respiratory, musculoskeletal, urinary, blood-forming organs, reproductive, gastrointestinal, etc.) (5)
- Demonstrates thorough understanding of selection of the principal diagnosis and any secondary diagnosis associated with the episode of care or hospital admission. (6)
- Demonstrates thorough understanding of the proper sequencing of diagnosis codes for maximum reimbursement of the health care services provided. (7)
- Performs accurate diagnosis code assignment for all body systems based upon the documentation provided in the health record. (8)

Objectives

After completing Module 12 you should be able to:

- Classify a variety of pneumonias and code appropriately.
- Determine the correct coding of COPD.
- Know when to code for respiratory failure as the principal diagnosis or secondary diagnosis.
- Learn how to code both cardiogenic and noncardiogenic acute pulmonary edema.
- Classify a variety of conditions that affect the GI tract
- Explain the difference in the meaning of terms associated with diverticula.
- Code diseases of the biliary system.
- Distinguish among the different conditions often stated as urinary tract infections.
- Code for a variety of kidney diseases
- Explain coding kidney disease in conjunction with hypertension and diabetes.
- Code conditions of the male and female genitalia.
- Code and classify dermatitis due to contact, food and ingestion of drugs.
- Code ulcers of the skin.
- Explain the different types of arthritis what to look for when coding arthritis.
- Know the difference between pathological and traumatic fractures.
- Code a variety of back disorders.

Readings and Resources

- Chapter 19, 20, 21. 22 and 23 and even numbered exercises to prepare for Test 12
- Review coding guidelines for respiratory failure, chronic kidney disease, and anemias.

Discussion

The above link takes you to the discussion page.  Please follow the directions and post your response.

Test

The above link takes you to the test page. There are 20 questions worth two points each.You have one hour to complete the open book exam. You also have the opportunity to retake the test if you feel you can improve upon your score.