Coding Continuous Invasive Mechanical Ventilation

In the January 2012 CodeWrite issue, Judy A. Bielby discusses coding continuous invasive mechanical ventilation in ICD-9-CM. Includes instructions on how to calculate hours to determine whether to assign code 96.71 or 96.72, how to calculate hours when an intubated patient is admitted, and information regarding tracheostomies which may affect assignment of the code.

LINK: Mechanical Ventilator – How Do I Code Thee? Let Me Count the Hours (Not Days)