I have a question about how dementia should be coded in this scenario. (This is for HCC coding.) Here is how the dx reads:
1. Dementia, suspect either Alzheimer’s or microvascular changes.
2. Early Parkinson’s, but still able to adequately perform ADLs.

The answer I was given was G31.83, F02.80, and the reasoning was because this is coded using outpatient guidelines, you can’t code suspected diagnoses. And because of the definition of the word "with" in the alphabetic index, it is correct to code Parkinson’s with dementia even though it’s not explicitly stated in the dx. My problem is that it seems that the provider IS specifying what he thinks is causing the dementia, and Parkinson’s isn’t it. Two possible causes are mentioned, and Parkinson’s is mentioned separately. I know it’s hard to code hypotheticals, but any insight would be appreciated!