What is the first listed diagnosis when a patient presents for outpatient surgery?

Asked by: Jacinthe Abshire  |  Last update: March 4, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (42 votes)

For a patient who presents for outpatient surgery (same day surgery), the rea- son for the surgery is coded as the first-listed diagnosis, even if the surgery is not performed due to a contraindication.

What is a first-listed diagnosis in outpatients?

In the outpatient setting, ICD-10-CM coding guidelines are used and they take priority over other coding rules. A first-listed diagnosis is the term used by medical coders in an outpatient setting, in lieu of the term “principal diagnosis,” because a diagnosis may not be established at the time of the initial visit.

When a patient presents for outpatient surgery, same day surgery, what is the appropriate first-listed diagnosis in Quizlet?

When a patient presents for outpatient surgery (same day surgery), code the reason for the surgery as the first-listed diagnosis (reason for the encounter), even if the surgery is not performed due to a contraindication.

Which diagnosis gives the primary reason for a patient's outpatient visit?

Final answer: The primary reason for a patient's outpatient visit is typically provided by the Primary diagnosis. Secondary and tertiary diagnoses represent other medical issues that the patient may have, but they do not center the main focus of the visit.

In what order should diagnosis be listed?

ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines has a coding convention where certain conditions that have both an underlying etiology and co-morbidities or multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology requires the underlying condition be sequenced first, if applicable, followed by the manifestation.

ICD-10-CM Outpatient Guidelines - First Listed Diagnosis

45 related questions found

What should the first listed diagnosis on a claim be?

This is the primary diagnosis, and in most cases it should be listed first on the claim form, followed by codes that describe any coexisting conditions that affect patient care, treatment or management.

What is the first of the diagnosis process?

The committee identified four types of information-gathering activities in the diagnostic process: taking a clinical history and interview; performing a physical exam; obtaining diagnostic testing; and sending a patient for referrals or consultations.

What is the principal diagnosis of an outpatient?

In Inpatient coding, the circumstance of admission governs the selection of what is termed “principal diagnosis.” In Outpatient, the term “first listed” diagnosis is used instead of principal diagnosis. Another main difference between Inpatient and Outpatient comes down to the payment systems.

Which diagnosis is sequenced first in the inpatient setting?

When a symptom(s) is followed by contrasting/comparative diagnoses, the symptom code is sequenced first. All the contrasting/comparative diagnoses should be coded as suspected conditions.

What is the main reason for an encounter in an outpatient setting?

The first-listed diagnosis refers to the primary reason for a patient's visit to an outpatient facility. It is the diagnosis that is most responsible for the patient seeking care and is reported as the main reason for the encounter.

What is the first code on an outpatient claim considered?

The first code listed is considered the primary diagnosis code. In addition, the non-institutional claims include an ICD diagnosis code on each line item being billed. ICD procedure code fields are present in the institutional claim-level and stay-level files: MedPAR, Inpatient, SNF, and Outpatient.

What is the first rule of surgery?

It was at that time that he shared the Four Rules of General Surgery. Rule 1: Verify everything and do not rely on the information provided by others. Rule 2: Once you agree to accept the patient, take total control of the patient's care. Rule 3: Never make promises you can't keep.

When a surgery is scheduled what is one of the nurse's primary actions?

Provide Health Teaching About Postoperative Procedures. Nurses teach clients about the surgical process and what to expect. They explain the procedure, address any concerns or questions, and provide instructions on preoperative preparations such as fasting, medication restrictions, and hygiene practices.

What is the first diagnosis called?

The term “principal diagnosis” is used on inpatient facility claims and “first listed diagnosis” is used on outpatient and professional claims. The term “primary diagnosis” will be used in this document to refer to either. Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations.

What is the first code listed under the subheading new patient in office or other outpatient services?

CPT® code 99203: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-44 minutes.

Which diagnosis condition is listed first when diagnosing a client?

DSM-5 does insist that the principal diagnosis be listed first, and suggests that in most cases the qualifying phrase “(principal diagnosis)” or “(reason for visit)” should be added afterwards.

What is the correct coding and sequencing when a patient presents for outpatient surgery and develops complications and is admitted to observation?

Admission from Outpatient Surgery. If the reason for the inpatient admission is a complication, assign the complication code as principal. If there is no documented complication, assign the reason for the outpatient surgery as principal.

What is the primary diagnosis?

What is a primary diagnosis? The primary diagnosis refers to the patient condition that demands the most provider resources during the patient's stay. There is often confusion surrounding primary and principal diagnoses and, consequently, the terms are commonly used interchangeably.

In what order should codes be sequenced?

Coding conventions require the condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a “code first” note with the manifestation code and a “use additional code” note with the etiology code in ICD-10.

What is outpatient diagnosis?

Outpatient diagnostic tests are all tests that physicians can perform immediately at their practice, if necessary. The test result can be obtained relatively quickly because the test is done and processed directly on site, without intermediate steps involving third parties or medical professionals.

What is a common outpatient procedure?

Common procedures that are now routinely performed on an outpatient basis include tonsillectomies, hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, some cosmetic surgeries, and cataract surgeries. Given the millions of procedures performed every year, complications from outpatient procedures are relatively uncommon.

What is the outpatient basis of treatment?

An outpatient visits a hospital, clinic, or similar facility for diagnosis, treatment, or a procedure, and then is free to leave. In some cases, outpatient care may include an overnight hospital stay. As an outpatient in an emergency room, for example, you may be asked to stay overnight for observation.

When was the first diagnosis?

Ancient Egypt. An Egyptian medical textbook, the Edwin Smith Papyrus written by Imhotep (fl. 2630-2611 BC), was the first to apply the method of diagnosis to the treatment of disease. Physicians in Ancient Egypt were only able to come up with diagnostics based on symptoms, no tests were being run.

What is initial diagnosis?

Initial diagnosis and evaluation means taking a medical history and performing a physical examination, medical procedures, laboratory tests, hearing and other diagnostic tests, or other procedures necessary for the diagnosis of a condition for the purpose of establishing CSHS eligibility and possible treatment for a ...

What is the first step in diagnosing a no start problem?

Battery condition should be the first test of any no-start diagnosis. Battery condition, including battery voltage during cranking, plays a vital role in starting an engine.