Is it appropriate to code hematemesis, 578.0 with gastric polyp?
Yes, it is appropriate to code both. In cases like this where there is no combination code to capture both the underlying cause (polyp) & the GI bleed (hematemesis) you will need to code the two conditions separately. For example—see CC2QP4 (next slide). There is no way to show that a gastric polyp is associated with hematemesis with only one code, therefore the two conditions must be coded separately. Bleeding gastric varices due to alcoholic cirrhosis/hepatitis Coding Clinic, Second Quarter 2002 Page: 4 Question: “What is the correct principal diagnosis code when a patient is admitted for a hematemesis, which is found to be due to a gastric varix that is caused by alcoholic cirrhosis/hepatitis? The patient also had esophageal varices without active bleeding. Would code 456.8, Varices of other specified sites, be assigned as the principal diagnosis? Or, should the cirrhosis/hepatitis be assigned as the principal diagnosis following the coding logic for esophageal varix?” Answer: “Assi
