Coding Corner Tips: Newly Prescribed Medicine
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Newly Prescribed Medicine

Using “Long-Term Use” Code

Code Assignment:

It would be appropriate to assign a code from category Z79, Long-term (current) drug therapy, when a patient is prescribed a medication that is intended to be taken on a long-term basis to control a chronic condition such as diabetes mellitus.

Code assignment is not based on whether the medication is new for the patient, but rather the intended use of the medication for long-term drug therapy. However, if there is an indication that the medication is to be used for a brief period and not on a long-term basis, a code for long-term drug therapy would NOT be reported.

This is consistent with the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, which state “Do not assign a code from category Z79 for medication being administered for a brief period of time to treat an acute illness or injury (such as a course of antibiotics to treat acute bronchitis).”

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kim felix
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Kim Felix, RHIA, CCS 

Director of Education

 (215) 200-1788

kfelix@e4.health

Lori Harbison, LPN, CCDS, CDIP, CCS

Coding Operations Manager

 (216) 501-2058

lharbison@e4.health

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The information and opinions presented here are based on the experience, training, and interpretation of e4health. Although the information has been researched and reviewed for accuracy, e4health does not accept any responsibility or liability regarding errors, omissions, misuse, or misinterpretation. This information is intended as a guide; it should not be considered a legal/consulting opinion or advice.