Linking by the Physician is Critical to Provide ICD-10 Specificity
Background
Linking conditions creates a causal relationship between two conditions or the condition and its etiology. Documentation of linkage is important clinically and to properly specify and clarify conditions with causes.
Linking terms
• In
• With
• Due to
• Associated with
For example: “Pneumonia due to Aspiration”
To ensure appropriate coding and capture of risk, providers should link related conditions using terms such as “due to” or “associated with.” Often clinical language describes conditions without explicit linkage.
For conditions not specifically linked, a query to the provider may be necessary.
Download the complete tip, Linking for the Physician.