Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Practice Test

What is the diagnosis code for the tracheostomy performed on a patient with ventilator dependency?

1. 507.0

2. 473.0

3. 933.1

4. 197.7

The correct answer is: 507.0

The diagnosis code for a tracheostomy performed on a patient with ventilator dependency is the correct choice because it specifically indicates the presence of respiratory failure resulting in the need for a tracheostomy. The code 507.0 refers to tracheobronchitis due to inhalation of food or vomit, which aligns with conditions necessitating airway management. In the context of patients who require long-term ventilation support, a tracheostomy is often performed to facilitate breathing and manage airway control more effectively. The use of the proper diagnosis code is essential for documentation, billing, and ensuring that the medical necessity of the procedure is clear. The other codes provided do not accurately represent this clinical scenario. For instance, some may relate to different respiratory conditions or tumor diagnoses, which do not pertain to the specific situation of a tracheostomy for ventilator-dependent patients. Thus, selecting the proper code reflects an understanding of the condition, its implications, and the appropriate clinical data needed to support the intervention.