Post-op Anemia

 Is it "Post-Op" Anemia or Acute Blood Loss Anemia ?

 
If the amount of blood lost following surgery is expected and routinely associated with the procedure, acute blood loss anemia is an appropriate diagnosis, particularly if the patient becomes, you know... anemic. 

Blood transfusion is not required to substantiate the diagnosis of acute blood loss anemia. However, if a transfusion is necessary, acute blood loss anemia is almost certainly present. 

How about Post-Op Anemia?

Diagnosis of acute blood loss anemia is not classified as a “complication of surgery.” 

However....

"postoperative hemorrhage” may result in coding of a surgical complication. 

The term “post-op” should be carefully used to describe a condition that occurs after surgery only when it truly is resulting from surgery in an unexpected way. 

Complication codes are intended for conditions that are unusual or unexpected, not inherent with the procedure.

When a postoperative event is associated with a preexisting condition or preoperative diagnosis, it should be clearly documented as such and not as a result of the procedure.