From the Research
The pre-operative ICD code commonly used is Z01.818, which designates "Encounter for other preprocedural examination," as supported by recent studies 1. This code should be used when a patient is being evaluated specifically to determine their fitness for a planned surgical procedure. For more specific pre-operative scenarios, you might use:
- Z01.810 for pre-procedural cardiovascular examination
- Z01.811 for pre-procedural respiratory examination
- Z01.812 for pre-procedural laboratory examination When coding pre-operative visits, it's essential to also include any specific conditions being managed or evaluated that might affect surgical risk, as highlighted in a study on perioperative ICD management 2. These codes help healthcare providers document the purpose of the encounter accurately and ensure proper reimbursement for pre-operative assessments, which is crucial for maintaining clear medical records and tracking pre-surgical care, as noted in a study on preoperative assessment 3. The coding system allows for precise tracking of pre-surgical care and helps maintain clear medical records regarding the reason for the patient's visit before their procedure, which is also supported by a study on validation of an electronic coding algorithm 4. In the context of real-life clinical medicine, using the correct pre-operative ICD code is vital for ensuring patient safety and proper care, and Z01.818 is the most appropriate code for general pre-operative evaluations 1.