EncephalopathyEncephalopathy: "Any diffuse disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure" according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders of Stroke. The term encephalopathy covers two broad groups of conditions: Acute encephalopathy - is...

Malnutrition Malnutrition: Deficiencies, excesses, imbalances, in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition covers 2 broad groups of conditions: 1) ‘Undernutrition’—which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for...

PancytopeniaPancytopenia: A hematologic condition where there is a lower-than-normal number of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood. Common etiologies include, but are not limited to:  Autoimmune disorders Bone marrow disorders Genetic disorders...

Cerebral Edema & Brain CompressionCerebral Edema Definition: Swelling of the brain. Can result from a variety of derangements that can stem from trauma, hypoxia, infection, CVA, intracerebral hemorrhage, metabolic derangements, hepatitis, Reye syndrome, carbon...

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Paroxysmal AF Definition: Episodes terminate either spontaneously or with treatment within 7 days; may recur Persistent AF Definition: AF is continuous and lasts > 7 days, fails to terminate spontaneously Long-standing Persistent AF...

Debridement Excisional Debridement Definition: The surgical removal or cutting away of devitalized tissue, necrosis, and slough.   Non-Excisional Debridement Definition: The nonoperative brushing, irrigating, scrubbing, or washing of devitalized tissue, necrosis,...

ComaDefinition: Deep state of unconsciousness where patients are unable to move or be aware of or respond to their surroundings with loss of thinking abilities however retain non-cognitive function and normal sleep patterns.Diagnostic CriteriaA comprehensive...

Pathological FracturesDefinition: A bone fracture that occurs without adequate trauma, caused by an underlying disease.Diagnostic CriteriaIdentified in Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging such as X-Ray, CT, MRI, or bone scans. There are various underlying causes for...

Hypertensive CrisisDefinition: HTN: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130mm Hg or more and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of more than 80mm Hg HTN Crisis: Generic term to describe hypertensive urgency or hypertensive emergency, typically seen with elevated blood...

Respiratory FailureDefinition: Syndrome where the respiratory systems fail in either or both the gas exchange function or oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination. Recognized as either hypoxemic or hypercapnic.Coding Considerations:Review the circumstances of...