ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding Flashcards

Which ICD-10-CM guideline applies when a patient has both an acute and a chronic form of the same condition?

Answer: Code both, sequencing the acute condition first

ICD-10-CM guidelines state that when both acute and chronic forms exist and separate codes are available, both are coded with the acute code sequenced first.

What is the correct approach when ICD-10-CM instructs 'use additional code' at a code category?

Answer: An additional code must always be assigned if applicable

A 'use additional code' instruction is a mandatory directive that requires the coder to assign the specified additional code when the condition is present and documented.

Under ICD-10-CM guidelines, how should a coder handle a documented BMI in relation to an obesity diagnosis?

Answer: Assign the obesity code first, then add the BMI code as additional

The obesity or overweight diagnosis code is sequenced first, and an additional BMI code from category Z68 is assigned to provide specificity.

Which ICD-10-CM code range covers mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders?

Answer: F01–F99

ICD-10-CM Chapter 5 (F01–F99) contains codes for mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders including dementia, depression, and anxiety.

When a patient is seen for aftercare following completed treatment of a condition, which code type is generally used?

Answer: A Z code for aftercare

Z codes (e.g., Z47, Z48, Z51) are assigned for aftercare encounters when the original condition has been treated and the patient is receiving follow-up care.

In ICD-10-CM, what does the 'Excludes2' note mean?

Answer: The excluded condition is not part of the code but may be coded together if both are present

'Excludes2' indicates that the excluded condition is not included in the main code, so both codes may be assigned simultaneously when both conditions are documented.