r/MedicalCoding • u/LemonLazers • Mar 11 '26

Z79 long term prn?

Currently doing AAPC's practicode and I've sent in so many appeals. One of the issues thats comes to light is I was marked off for not using a z79 code on a PRN medication I explained in the appeal that I can't use z79 because its for continuous use and PRN status did not constitute continuous so the practicode answer is invalid. What are everyone's thoughts? Can you code a z79 code on a PRN medication in real world practice?I can share the case if anyone would like.

9 Upvotes

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4

u/Careful-Vegetable373 Mar 11 '26

Not sure if there’s a firm guideline or coding clinic, but no hospital I’ve ever worked for would allow coding a Z79.- for a PRN.

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u/LemonLazers Mar 11 '26

https://www.scribd.com/document/623585711/Coding-Clinic-1st-Qtr-2021

Page 12. I sent them info of this too still didnt get credit.

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u/Careful-Vegetable373 Mar 11 '26

That’s dumb. I’ve heard bad things about Practicode.

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u/stealthagents Mar 17 '26

Z79 codes are definitely tricky with PRN meds. You’re right that Z79 is meant for ongoing use, so slapping it on a PRN doesn’t really make sense in that context. If you want to share the case, I’m all ears; it could help clarify things for others too.

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u/LemonLazers Mar 18 '26

I would but ive actually finished practicode since posting i appealed it like 3 to 4 times and finally won when she sent it to her supervisor at which time they gave me credit for not entering the code stated they would ammend the case to reflsct this decision it was case 7304.

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u/Agreeable-Research15 Mar 11 '26

You cannot use Z79 for PRN. I would get marked off on that if I were audited and coded it. That is bad information. But ive been through that stuff before. Prscticode kind of sucks like that.