In the case of a patient who develops a pulmonary embolism postoperatively, what is the POA indicator?

The appropriate selection regarding the POA (Present on Admission) indicator for a patient who develops a pulmonary embolism postoperatively is that it is "not present at the time of inpatient admission." This indicates that the condition arose after the patient had been admitted for other reasons, such as surgery or treatment for another condition.

In this particular scenario, a pulmonary embolism is typically considered to be a complication that can arise as a result of procedures or immobility during the recovery phase after surgery. Since this condition developed subsequently, it aligns with the criteria for being categorized as not present at the time of admission. The accurate identification of POA indicators is essential for proper coding, resource allocation, and quality metrics reporting in healthcare, thus reflecting the true nature of the patient's condition upon admission.

By understanding the POA indicators and their implications, healthcare professionals can ensure appropriate reimbursement and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.