If a condition is described as both acute and chronic, how should it be coded?

When coding a condition that is described as both acute and chronic, the guideline is to code both conditions, with the acute code being listed first. This approach reflects the current clinical status of the patient and is essential for accurately documenting the nature of the condition.

Acute conditions signify that the patient is currently experiencing a sudden onset or a change in their health status, while chronic conditions represent ongoing, long-term health issues. Since the acute phase often represents a new or more immediate need for care, it needs to be prioritized in coding. Therefore, by coding the acute condition first, the medical record accurately depicts the urgency of the situation, which is crucial for treatment and reimbursement purposes.

In scenarios where both acute and chronic descriptors exist, practitioners must ensure that both aspects are represented in the coding, as this conveys a full picture of the patient's health and facilitates appropriate healthcare decision-making.