Created Nov 2007
Reviewed Dec 2019
Query
How do you code the following scenario?
A patient is booked for surgery with a specific condition. After admission, and before surgery, it is found that the condition is no longer present, therefore the patient does not require the booked procedure.
Response
The principal diagnosis is the condition for which the patient is having the surgery. Use an additional diagnosis Z53.8 Procedure not carried out for other reasons and use free text to add further information if appropriate.