Forum - Questions & Answers
seizure vs epilepsy
Does anyone automatically code epilepsy when the physician documents seizure? Our auditor here is saying we are wrong if we do not code epilepsy. I have quoted her what the Faye Brown book says, which is to not assume epilepsy due to the legal consequences but she says I am wrong.
Seizure/Epilepsy
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/ppt/icd9/att2BarkleySep08/att2BarkleySep08.htm
I agree with Nancy, of course
a seizure can be an isolated event from head trauma, alcohol withdrawl, medication interaction, a vagal response (people pass out with blood draws and start twitching) etc. and may never recur. Epilepsy is a chronic illness of recurrent seizures, even if many years apart, that requires monitoring and usually medication. Medicolegally a big difference.