Question

In the inpatient setting, it is not acceptable to code diagnoses that have not yet been confirmed and are questionable or suspected

A. True
B. False

Answer 1

In the inpatient setting, it is not acceptable to code diagnoses that have not yet been confirmed and are questionable or suspected.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the inpatient setting, it is not acceptable to code diagnoses that have not yet been confirmed and are questionable or suspected. This is because coding diagnoses requires a high level of certainty and accuracy, as it directly affects patient care, billing, and reimbursement.

For example, imagine a patient who is admitted to the hospital with symptoms that could be indicative of pneumonia, but further tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. In this case, it would not be appropriate to code the diagnosis of pneumonia until the medical team is certain about the condition.

By following this practice, healthcare professionals ensure that the medical records accurately reflect the patient's true diagnosis, enhance patient safety, and promote effective communication among care providers.