Published 15 June 2015,
for implementation 01 July 2015.
Ref No: Q2914 | Published On: 15-Jun-2015 | Status: Current
SUBJECT: Synonymous terms for palliative care
Q:
What are acceptable synonymous terms for palliative care? Some terms are clearly synonymous with palliative care such as 'end of life care' and 'terminal care’; however is documentation of 'comfort measures only' considered synonymous with palliative care?
A:
The ACS for palliative care has been revised and relocated in Ninth Edition and has clarified that terminology such as ‘end of life care’ and ‘terminal care’ are synonymous terms used to describe episodes of palliative care. However, the phrase ‘comfort measures’ may be more widely applied and therefore on its own does not qualify for assignment of Z51.5 Palliative care.
Clinical coders should refer to ACS 2116 Palliative care to determine code assignment. If the documentation is unclear, Z51.5 should not be assigned.
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