Pre-op vs Post-op Diagnosis

Question:

Is there a difference between a pre-operative diagnosis and a post-operative diagnosis?

Answer:

Pre-operative diagnosis is based on the “Reason for the surgery” or the condition affecting the patient leading to the necessity of the surgery. Underlying co-morbidities that can affect the surgical outcome or represent a risk to the patient can also be included but the documentation must support their relationship to the patient risk.

Post-operative diagnoses are based on the findings determined during the surgical procedure.  Post-op diagnosis may be the same as the pre-op diagnosis or may be more definitive.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/19/24.