Coding for Prescription Pain Medication

Question:

Medical record documentation indicates the patient is taking opioids prescribed by their physician for treatment of chronic pain. Does Guideline I.C.5.b.3. mean that codes cannot be assigned for the opioid use unless there is documentation of an associated physical, mental or behavioral disorder?

Answer:

A code for the use of prescription opiates would not be reported because there is no associated physical, mental or behavioral disorder.


 – AHA Coding Clinic 2018 2nd Quarter, pages 11 and 12


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