When coding for a patient with type 1 diabetes admitted for surgery, which resource should the coder reference for correct code sequencing?

The correct resource to reference for correct code sequencing when coding for a patient with type 1 diabetes admitted for surgery is the UHDDS, or Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set. The UHDDS provides standardized definitions and data elements that are crucial for collecting and reporting hospital discharge data. This dataset includes guidelines on how to classify diagnoses, which is important for accurate coding, especially in complex cases like diabetes.

For a patient with type 1 diabetes who is undergoing surgery, understanding how to categorize diabetes as a primary or secondary diagnosis is essential for reporting purposes. The UHDDS includes criteria that guide coders in determining the principal diagnosis and any other significant conditions present, enabling them to sequence codes correctly. This is particularly important in surgical cases, where the underlying condition, such as diabetes, can affect treatment and recovery outcomes.

Additionally, other resources mentioned like the Federal Register, CMS Coding Guidelines, and Coding Clinic provide valuable information but do not focus specifically on the standardized data collection and coding sequencing practices as comprehensively as the UHDDS does. Using UHDDS ensures consistency and accuracy in reporting essential patient information across healthcare settings, which is why it is the most relevant choice in this scenario.