Certified Coding Associate Exam ICD-10-CM Coding Principles

Question 1

In ICD-10-CM, what does the term 'principal diagnosis' mean for inpatient coding?

Accepted Answer

The condition established after study to be chiefly responsible for occasioning the admission

Answer

The diagnosis present at the time of admission

Answer

The patient's most chronic condition

Answer

The first diagnosis listed by the physician

Question 2

What is the correct sequencing rule when a patient is admitted for chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Sequence the encounter for chemotherapy (Z51.11) as the principal diagnosis

Answer

Sequence the malignancy as the principal diagnosis

Answer

Sequence the metastatic site first

Answer

Sequence the primary symptom as the first-listed diagnosis

Question 3

What does the ICD-10-CM instruction 'Code first' indicate?

Accepted Answer

A mandatory sequencing instruction requiring an underlying condition be coded first

Answer

Always list this code as a secondary diagnosis

Answer

This code may be sequenced in any order

Answer

Use this code only for outpatient encounters

Question 4

Which of the following is a valid ICD-10-CM code format?

Accepted Answer

K21.0

Answer

A12.345

Answer

4567

Answer

AB.12

Question 5

In ICD-10-CM, what does the placeholder character 'X' indicate?

Accepted Answer

A dummy placeholder used to allow for future expansion or to fill a required position

Answer

The code is invalid and should not be used

Answer

The condition is unknown

Answer

The code applies to male patients only

Question 6

What does the 7th character 'A' represent in ICD-10-CM injury codes?

Accepted Answer

Initial encounter

Answer

Subsequent encounter

Answer

Sequela

Answer

Acute phase