Denise is being seen today because of blurry vision and pain in both eyes. The physician documents that diabetes has damaged the blood vessels in Denise's eyes, resulting in diabetic retinopathy. How will this diagnosis be coded?
A) The retinopathy is coded first, followed by the diabetes.
B) The diabetes is coded first, followed by the retinopathy.
C) Only the diabetes should be coded.
D) Only the retinopathy should be coded.
E) The symptoms of blurry vision and pain should be coded.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In medical coding, conditions that are a consequence of another disease (such as diabetic retinopathy being a consequence of diabetes) are typically coded with the primary condition (diabetes) first, followed by the secondary condition (retinopathy) to accurately reflect the causal relationship.

Denise Is Being Seen Today Because of Blurry Vision and Pain