Created Aug 2019
Query
Coders have been historically using Z60.3 Acculturation difficulty for patients who do not speak any English and require a translator to come in to help interview the patient and relay any treatment plans to them.
My question is would the use of the code be recommended or is this not necessary?
Response
Assigning a diagnosis code for acculturation difficulty or language barrier is very old coding practice and no longer meets ACS 0002 Additional diagnoses criteria for coding in Eleventh Edition.