American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Practice Exam

Which ICD-9-CM code is used for monitoring a patient’s Coumadin levels during laboratory services?

1. V58.83, V58.61

2. V58.83, V58.63

3. V58.61, 790.92

4. V58.61

The correct answer is: V58.83, V58.61

The appropriate code for monitoring a patient’s Coumadin levels during laboratory services is V58.83, which specifically refers to "Encounter for therapeutic drug level monitoring." This code is utilized when a healthcare provider is assessing the levels of anticoagulant medication, such as Coumadin (warfarin), in a patient. Monitoring these levels is essential for ensuring therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing the risk of adverse effects, such as bleeding. Additionally, V58.61 represents "Long-term (current) use of anticoagulants," which is relevant given that patients taking Coumadin are typically on a long-term regimen requiring ongoing monitoring. Together, these codes accurately capture the context of the visit involving laboratory services for medication monitoring. In this question, the correct choice not only includes the relevant codes for monitoring but also for the long-term use of anticoagulants, establishing a comprehensive picture of the patient's treatment plan.