When to code a patient as post-op

Explanation: no longer relevant in CCI
Successor: CCI Collection

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At the task meeting April 10,2014 we discussed the coding of post-op patients who come from other locations than the OR or PACU.

The question was: When do we include the surgical procedure as part of our diagnosis?

The decision was made that a specific time frame for including the surgery was not the best way.
If the recent surgery is relevant to reason for admission then include it in your admit dx as the last code.
For example a patient had a hip replacement 10 days ago,develops a HAP and is admitted to your unit.The surgery could go in the last diagnostic spot.
If reason for admission to your ward has nothing to do with recent surgery they don't include it in your diagnosis
for coding instructions for angiograms see Coronary Angiogram

Dr Garland feels that collectors judgement is best on when to include the surgery in the diagnosis.