A patient is undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease in the outpatient department of observation for several hours, at which time the patient is admitted to inpatient care for further workup. The cardiologist diagnoses the patient's problem as unstable angina. What is the principal diagnosis for the acute hospital stay?

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The patient was admitted to the hospital for further workup and was diagnosed with unstable angina by the cardiologist. Therefore, the principal diagnosis for the acute hospital stay would be unstable angina. The fact that the patient was undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease and was in outpatient observation prior to admission may be considered comorbidities or contributing factors, but they are not the primary reason for the hospitalization. Heartburn is not mentioned as a diagnosis for the patient, and renal disease is not the principal reason for the hospitalization.

A Patient Is Undergoing Hemodialysis for End-Stage Renal Disease in the Outpatient