Hello all, I was hoping to get some feedback on an issue I’ve been having. I work for a large organization, and some of our providers have an unfortunate habit of using BMI codes as the only diagnosis linked to blood glucose and lipid screenings. If they mention obesity in the chart, I can add that, but they don’t always do that. Sometimes, they mention absolutely nothing about weight in the chart, but then in the plan they list the BMI code, and then the screenings.

I feel like it might be reasonable to infer that they are screening for diabetes and lipid disorders, and to use Z13.1 and Z13.220, but some of my workmates disagree. What are your thoughts? And if you feel it’s inappropriate, what code would you use?

And before anyone asks, directly asking providers not to use the BMI code isn’t an option, unfortunately. It’s a VERY large organization, and I don’t have direct contact with the providers. I would have to go through each of the coding consultants linked to each facility, and the providers don’t always listen to feedback anyway.

Thank you so much in advance for any input you can give.