A surgical inpatient develops a secondary diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis that the provider states began after admission. Which HAC-related concept should the coder keep in mind?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
A clot that forms after admission can land in the HAC conversation—especially around certain surgeries. Code the DVT when it is documented, set POA from the timing, and remember prophylaxis orders do not automatically rewrite POA to Y.
Full Explanation
CMS hospital-acquired condition lists include selected deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism scenarios in defined surgical contexts when conditions develop during the stay. Accurate secondary diagnosis coding and POA assignment are required for correct HAC identification. Ordering prophylaxis does not by itself establish POA Y if the thrombosis demonstrably began after admission.