![]() ![]() I prefer the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) definition that an encephalopathy is “a term for any diffuse (emphasis added) disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure” that manifests as a defined altered mental status (e.g., delirium, dementia, psychosis) and requires specificity as to its underlying cause. Some physicians equate any mental status change with the term “encephalopathy,” not considering the underlying brain disease (e.g., a neurodegenerative disorder, cerebral edema, or encephalitis). Encephalopathy. A challenging term that has many meanings, including, based on its etymology, any disease of the brain.Consider the word “encephalopathy” as well (see the next item) when documenting these underlying causes. Note: The term “multi-infarct dementia” requires additional documentation that it is the late effect of multiple strokes. Options include Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy-body dementia, late effects of multiple strokes, normal pressure hydrocephalus, some cases of Parkinson’s disease, and a host of others. Neurodegenerative disorders. To the extent that it’s possible to state what the underlying degenerative brain disease is, please do so.Remember that the various forms of altered mental states have underlying causes, which, if defined, diagnosed, and documented, accurately represent the patient’s condition for risk-adjustment purposes. Determine the underlying cause of the altered mental status
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |