Inpatient and Outpatient Codes

1. Differences between inpatient and outpatient coding
Inpatient Outpatient
Principal diagnosis First-listed diagnosis
A condition after study that is A sign or symptom that is the
responsible for admitting a reason for the visit.
patient to the hospital. .
Uncertain Diagnoses Uncertain Diagnoses
Diagnoses that says “probable” NEVER code the diagnosis
or “rule out” can be coded as if that says “probable” or “rule
the condition existed. out.”
Puckett, Craig D, 2008 Annual Hospital Version ICD-9-CM, Reno, Nevada: Channel, 2007