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 principal diagnosis is the condition established after study to be chiefly responsible for occasioning the patient's admission to the hospital.

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

When a patient is admitted for chemotherapy administration, Z51.11 is sequenced as the principal diagnosis, followed by the malignancy code.

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

The 'Code first' instruction is a mandatory sequencing note that requires the underlying condition or etiology to be sequenced before the manifestation code.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

K21.0

Answer

ICD-10-CM codes begin with a letter, followed by two digits, a decimal point, and up to four additional characters (e.g., K21.0).

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 placeholder character 'X' is used in ICD-10-CM to allow for future expansion and to fill positions when additional characters are required.

Certified Coding Associate Exam Practice Test

Certified Coding Associate Exam Practice Test

Certified Coding Associate Exam ICD-10-CM Coding Principles