Certified Medical Coding Specialist ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ICD-10-CM code is used to report a principal diagnosis when the patient is admitted for chemotherapy?
- Z51.11 (Correct answer)
- C80.1
- Z51.12
- Z08
Correct answer: Z51.11
Z51.11 (encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy) is sequenced as the principal diagnosis when chemotherapy is the reason for the encounter.
Question 2: In ICD-10-CM, sequela codes are identified by which 7th character?
- S (Correct answer)
- A
- D
- Q
Correct answer: S
The 7th character 'S' designates a sequela — a condition that is the late effect of a previous injury or illness.
Question 3: Which ICD-10-CM guideline applies when two or more interrelated conditions can be classified to the same code?
- Combination code guideline (Correct answer)
- Multiple coding guideline
- Code first guideline
- Laterality guideline
Correct answer: Combination code guideline
Combination codes in ICD-10-CM allow a single code to classify two diagnoses, a diagnosis with an associated sign/symptom, or a diagnosis with an associated complication.
Question 4: How should a coder handle a diagnosis documented as 'probable' or 'suspected' in an outpatient setting?
- Code the sign or symptom, not the suspected condition (Correct answer)
- Code the suspected condition
- Leave the diagnosis field blank
- Use an unspecified code
Correct answer: Code the sign or symptom, not the suspected condition
For outpatient encounters, uncertain diagnoses ('probable,' 'suspected') should NOT be coded; instead, code the presenting sign or symptom.
Question 5: Which ICD-10-CM code category covers sepsis?
- A41 (Correct answer)
- R65
- T81
- J44
Correct answer: A41
Category A41 in ICD-10-CM covers sepsis due to various organisms, such as A41.9 for unspecified sepsis.
Question 6: When a patient has both an acute and a chronic condition, ICD-10-CM guidelines state:
- Sequence the acute condition first if a combination code does not exist (Correct answer)
- Always code only the chronic condition
- Always code only the acute condition
- Only one code may be assigned
Correct answer: Sequence the acute condition first if a combination code does not exist
When separate codes exist for acute and chronic conditions, ICD-10-CM guidelines direct sequencing the acute condition first.
Certified Medical Coding Specialist ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding 2
Which ICD-10-CM code is used to report a principal diagnosis when the patient is admitted for chemotherapy?