CMRT Coding & Classification Systems Flashcards

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

Answer: Hold a position so a required 7th character can be assigned

The placeholder 'X' is used in ICD-10-CM to fill empty character positions when a code requires a 7th character but has fewer than 6 characters.

Which organization publishes the Official ICD-10-CM Coding Guidelines used by US coders?

Answer: CMS and NCHS jointly

The Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines are published jointly by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics).

What is encoder software primarily used for in health information management?

Answer: Assist coders in selecting accurate ICD and CPT codes with built-in logic and guidelines

Encoder software provides coding logic, crosswalks, and guideline references to help coders assign accurate and complete codes efficiently.

Which coding concept requires that when a condition is described as both an etiology and a manifestation, both codes must be sequenced in the correct order?

Answer: Etiology/manifestation convention — etiology code first, manifestation code second

The ICD-10-CM etiology/manifestation convention requires the underlying etiology code be sequenced first, followed by the manifestation code.

What does 'query' mean in the context of clinical documentation improvement (CDI)?

Answer: A formal written or verbal request to the physician for clarification of documentation

A CDI query is a compliant communication to the physician seeking clarification of ambiguous or incomplete documentation to support accurate code assignment.

In the ICD-10-CM alphabetic index, what should a coder do after locating a code to verify it is correct?

Answer: Always verify the code in the tabular list before final assignment

The alphabetic index provides a starting point only; coders must always verify and confirm the final code assignment in the tabular list.