Question

Which of these encounters are valid reasons for an inpatient admission and may be assigned a Z code as the principal diagnosis? Select all that apply.

A. Encounter for closure of a colostomy
B. Encounter for examination of ears and hearing without abnormal findings
C. Noncompliance with treatment
D. Encounter for chemotherapy
E. Encounter for vaccinations
F. Delivery of a liveborn infant, mother's record

Answer 1

Valid reasons for an inpatient admission with a Z code as the principal diagnosis include encounter for closure of a colostomy, encounter for chemotherapy, and delivery of a liveborn infant on the mother's record.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes and their applications in inpatient admissions where a Z code may be assigned as the principal diagnosis. Based on the scenarios provided, the valid reasons for an inpatient admission that may be assigned a Z code as the principal diagnosis are as follows:

• Encounter for closure of a colostomy - This is a procedure that corrects an earlier surgical operation, thus justifying inpatient care.
• Encounter for chemotherapy - This is a treatment typically involving an inpatient stay for the administration of anti-cancer drugs.
• Delivery of a liveborn infant, mother's record - Childbirth is a common reason for inpatient admission, and the ICD code would reflect the care provided to the mother.

Options B (encounter for examination of ears and hearing without abnormal findings), C (noncompliance with treatment), and E (encounter for vaccinations) are not typically associated with inpatient admission as principal diagnoses. Instead, these are generally considered outpatient services or issues not requiring a hospital stay.