PLAN NOW is an acronym you can use to ensure that your documentation is complete enough to be coded accurately. This manual will use PLAN NOW to present specific guidance for documenting common diagnoses.
When did the disease process start? First or subsequent visit?
Right or left? Upper quadrant or lower quadrant? Distal or proximal?
Acute or chronic? Paroxysmal, persistent or intermittent?
Specific disease name, etiology, organism, severity, degree, type, stage.
Any procedures performed for this disease or condition.
Any additional information pertinent to case.
Causes or underlying conditions, comorbidities or associated problems.