Take a closer look when reviewing lung cancer charts

by Helen Walker, MD

CDI specialists should know what to look for when reviewing cancer admissions in order to capture the true severity of these patients’ illnesses. Often patients are discharged with the diagnosis of “possible” or “probable” cancer when the pathology report is still pending. Although “probable,” “suspected,” “likely,” “possible,” and “still to be ruled out” diagnoses can still be coded as a malignancy, it is best to have the attending physician provide documentation.