Saturday Quiz

Designed to enlighten and amaze

 

Knowing that the diagnosis for sickle cell trait is associated with increased capitation, you decide to screen every patient on your panel. Which of the following is true.

A. The diagnosis code can only be submitted for people carrying the trait who were brought back in to be seen and counseled regarding its implication.

B. The diagnosis code can only be submitted for those who you treat with aspirin.

C. The diagnosis code can only be submitted for those who have a family history of sickle cell disease.

D. The diagnosis code can only be submitted for those who have anemia from sickle cell trait.

E. None of the above.

 

 

The shocking answer below:

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The answer is E. None of the above.

 

It is NEVER appropriate to screen patients for illnesses simply to acquire a risk code.

Ever.

I’ve picked up sickle cell trait in patients I was evaluating for anemia—it’s an unexpected revenue boost for me and good information for them.

But screen your population for no medical reason just to make a buck?

It’s clearly unethical. You can do very well capturing their risk codes as appropriate, you don’t have to go fishing.

So don’t.

Ever.