As a coder let me explain my problem with this new flu. Normally in the world of coding you don't code a diagnosis unless a dr signs the order, H&P, discharge summary, operative note, etc. So when someone is tested for a flu in a lab the normal lab results are not signed by a dr, pathology and cytology reports are, but not labs. Therefore labs have to be read by a dr and diagnosis submitted. We never code from a lab test. If you test for influenza A or B positive on a lab, nope can't code it unless a dr puts it somewhere in the chart. Now, with covid19, we can code a positive test. In essence we are treating this diagnosis different from every other disease in the coding world. This is straight up dishonest in every sense and it pisses me off . This is the coding guidelines we received when covid19 came on the scene.
As a coder let me explain my problem with this new flu. Normally in the world of coding you don't code a diagnosis unless a dr signs the order, H&P, discharge summary, operative note, etc. So when someone is tested for a flu in a lab the normal lab results are not signed by a dr, pathology and cytology reports are, but not labs. Therefore labs have to be read by a dr and diagnosis submitted. We never code from a lab test. If you test for influenza A or B positive on a lab, nope can't code it unless a dr puts it somewhere in the chart. Now, with covid19, we can code a positive test. In essence we are treating this diagnosis different from every other disease in the coding world. This is straight up dishonest in every sense and it pisses me off . This is the coding guidelines we received when covid19 came on the scene.
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