Mitchell, Renelda
Christus HealthSupportIndividual
Summary: A healthcare professional argues that certain kidney diseases, specifically Acute Kidney Injury or Acute Renal Failure, should remain classified as a Major Complication/Comorbidity (MCC). The commenter notes that these conditions require significant resources and, if left untreated, lead to much more costly long-term treatments like dialysis or transplants.
I am a Professional Registered Nurse and Clinical Documentation Specialist. As I am clinically inclined, and as I review patient records where kidney disease is an issue, there is a definite severity of illness issue which exists. Patients who fall into the category of Acute Kidney Injury or Acute Renal Failure have an increased utilization of resources in order to properly diagnose and treat their disease. If this disease process is not caught and treated properly it can result in End Stage Renal Disease which will cost the government much more to treat for many years to come in the patients course of care. They will either be on dialysis the rest of their lives or will face a costly kidney transplant. It is a complication that is very costly and in my professional opinion and with the reasons listed above I strongly believe that this diagnoses should remain an MCC (Major Complication/Comorbidity)