When both acute and chronic conditions are present, how should they be coded?

When both acute and chronic conditions are present in a patient, the correct approach is to code both conditions, with the acute condition being sequenced first. This is because acute conditions typically reflect a current episode of care or a new problem that requires immediate attention, which is often more critical in the context of treatment.

In coding practice, the priority is generally given to the condition that is responsible for the patient's current treatment and resources used. By putting the acute condition first, it signifies that the focus of the care and the urgency of treatment align with the acute situation.

Coding both conditions is important for comprehensive documentation, as it provides a complete picture of the patient’s health status and can also impact reimbursement and care coordination. This method accurately reflects the complexity of the patient’s clinical presentation and ensures both types of conditions are appropriately acknowledged in the medical record.