When a patient is admitted for chemotherapy to treat a malignant neoplasm, what is the first code listed?

In circumstances where a patient is admitted for chemotherapy specifically to treat a malignant neoplasm, the primary focus for coding is the treatment being administered rather than the underlying condition itself. In this instance, the correct approach is to assign the chemotherapy code first, as it represents the reason for the hospital admission and the primary service provided during the patient’s stay.

This reflects a key aspect of medical coding where the code that reflects the services provided takes precedence. The chemotherapy code accurately portrays the treatment being given – which is crucial for tracking the administration of treatment and ensuring proper reimbursement for the healthcare facility.

Other codes may certainly be relevant, such as those for the underlying neoplasm or associated diagnosis, but they are secondary to the primary reason for admission. This structuring ensures that the coding accurately represents the patient's treatment journey and conforms to healthcare regulations.