When no procedures are performed that are related to principal diagnosis procedures performed for definitive treatment and diagnostic procedures were performed for secondary diagnosis, the coder would_______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since no procedures related to the principal diagnosis were performed, the coder should sequence the procedure performed for definitive treatment of a secondary diagnosis as the principal procedure. This is because the principal procedure is defined as the most significant procedure done for the definitive treatment of a condition, not necessarily related to the principal diagnosis if no such procedures were performed.

When No Procedures Are Performed That Are Related to Principal