Re: ICD-9 Coding

[Delores234]

What code are you using for a 'FALL'?   Delores   Patient is admitted post fall with hip fracture.  There is a debate over which is the primary diagnosis.  Is it the fall or hip fracture.  Do you generally code a fall as a primary diagnosis or the cause for the fall such as gait instability, ataxia, etc.?   Thank You. I've never coded the fall as a primary diagnosis.  Usually it's what results from the fall (ie-hip fracture) or the cause of it (weakness, vertigo, etc.).  Of course you code the fall in section J.  Also I have the MD indicate the primary diagnosis on his history and physical.  That avoids any of those problems. J. Martin, RN MDS Coordinator