A: The correct code for this injury is 321004.3. This was described as a “dissection” in the conclusion of the MRI and the patient had subsequent neurologic deficit (infarcts). The brain “injuries” occurred as a result of the dissection, not direct trauma to the brain stem.
Q: I have a patient that had a left vertebral artery dissection. Two days later the patient had an MRI that showed a brain stem infarction. I am not sure if I should code the brain stem infarction, since it didn’t show up until 2 days later and could possibly be caused by the dissection.” What is the correct code for this injury?
Jan 1, 2012 | Uncategorized | 0 comments