I am wondering how best to code this little sticky wicket.

The doctor has give this patient a stated primary of ESRD due to DMII.

The doctor has also included HTN in his mix of active dx without any relation noted to any other dx.

So, would my coding sequence then be:

E11.22, N18.6, and an I12.0 because of the assumed relationship between the ESRD and HTN? Or do I ignore the assumed relationship because of the already stated causal one between the ESRD and the DMII and just code the HTN as a separate entity? And, if I use the I12.0 should I just drop the HTN as I would if it was the only code noted since it is included in the code?

OH. EM. GEE!!

Thanks so much!

Lynn