In coding for HIV infections, what is the guideline for confirmed cases?

The guideline for coding HIV infections emphasizes the importance of documenting and coding only confirmed cases. This approach aligns with the principles of ICD-10-CM coding, which require accurate reflection of a patient's actual diagnosis based on medical documentation and testing results.

When a case of HIV infection is confirmed through appropriate testing, it is critical to code this diagnosis to ensure that the patient’s medical record is accurate, facilitating proper treatment and care planning. This also aids in tracking disease prevalence and informs public health initiatives.

Using codes for only suspected cases or all possible diagnoses would lead to an increase in coding inaccuracies, potentially impacting treatment regimens and health outcomes. Additionally, coding diagnosed cases along with symptoms may not reflect the specific disease process that is predominantly managed, which is the confirmed HIV infection in this context. Thus, focusing on confirmed cases ensures that the coding remains within the guidelines established for specificity and accuracy in healthcare documentation.