Coding Guidelines & Conventions Flashcards
7 cards from real CMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Coding Guidelines & Conventions flashcards as text
What is the correct action when the ICD-10-CM Tabular List instructs 'Use additional code'?
Answer: Report an additional ICD-10-CM code to fully describe the condition
'Use additional code' instructs the coder to assign a secondary code that provides more specific information about the condition.
In ICD-10-CM, the 7th character 'A' in trauma codes signifies:
Answer: Initial encounter for active treatment
The 7th character 'A' denotes an initial encounter where active treatment is being provided for the injury.
When coding external cause codes in ICD-10-CM, how should they be sequenced?
Answer: Secondary to the injury or condition they describe
External cause codes are never the principal or first-listed diagnosis; they supplement injury or condition codes.
A CPT code description enclosed in parentheses following a main code entry is called:
Answer: A parenthetical instruction
Parenthetical instructions in CPT provide additional guidance, such as listing related codes or specifying when a code should or should not be used.
What does HCPCS Level II coding system primarily cover?
Answer: Products, supplies, and services not covered by CPT
HCPCS Level II codes cover durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, supplies, and non-physician services not captured in CPT.
In ICD-10-CM, placeholder character 'X' is used to:
Answer: Allow for future expansion and maintain the required code structure
The placeholder 'X' is inserted to maintain the required code length and allow future additions without disrupting the existing structure.
Which section of the ICD-10-CM code book is used to verify a code found in the Alphabetic Index?
Answer: The Tabular List
Always verify every code found in the Alphabetic Index by referencing the Tabular List to ensure correct code assignment and read all instructional notes.