How do you code chf?

Apr 16th, 2009 -

Chf

428.0

Stacie L. Buck, RHIA, CCS-P, RCC, CIC
President/Senior Consultant
RadRx

Apr 16th, 2009 -

avoid 428.0 if you can

[428.0

Stacie L. Buck, RHIA, CCS-P, RCC, CIC
President/Senior Consultant
RadRx ]

You really should NOT use 428.0- the doc needs to be more specific. At least 428.1- CMS said a year or two ago that they would not recognize 428.0- I think they wanted to try to get data on type of heart failure(right, left, diastolic, etc.) But as with many threats they continue to recognize it and pay for it...for now.

Apr 18th, 2009 -

Chf

I would query the doctor anytime they say CHF to be more specific. Ask for chronic/acute systolic/diastolic anytime we have CHF in the medical record.

Apr 17th, 2009 - bigdog40 27

chf

I have been using 428.0 for several years, and it always seems to work for me.

May 4th, 2009 - dsteed 141

Coding for CHF

The physician needs to be more specific than just CHF. If coding for an inpatient record, this is inadequate. CHF is not a CC for hospital inpatient coding. It will matter about their reimbursement. Hospitals are paid on the MS-DRG structure by Medicare. Part of the structure involves CC's & MCC. (Complications & co-morbidities), (Major complications & co-morbidities). More definitive statements about the CHF may map to a higher MS-DRG allowing for greater reimbursement.