Question

When coding a documented ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) what codes should be assigned? (Select all that apply.)

-The pneumonia is coded first.
-The complication of surgery is coded first.
-The specific code for ventilator associated pneumonia is coded first.
-An additional code for the type of pneumonia, that is, lobar or pneumonia NOS, is not coded.
-The organism is coded as a secondary code if known.
-An additional code for the type of pneumonia, that is, lobar or pneumonia NOS, is coded.

Answer 1

When coding a documented ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), the specific code for VAP is coded first, the organism is coded as a secondary code if known, and an additional code for the type of pneumonia is coded.

Step-by-step explanation:

When coding a documented ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), the following codes should be assigned:

1. The specific code for ventilator-associated pneumonia is coded first. This is because VAP is the primary diagnosis that led to the patient's hospitalization.
2. The organism is coded as a secondary code if known. This means that if the specific bacteria causing the pneumonia is known, a secondary code should be assigned to identify it.
3. An additional code for the type of pneumonia, such as lobar or pneumonia NOS, is coded. This provides further specificity about the type of pneumonia.