CPC ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the instructional note 'Code also' in ICD-10-CM indicate?
- The code listed must always be sequenced first
- An additional code should be assigned if the condition exists (Correct answer)
- The code cannot be used as a principal diagnosis
- The condition must be confirmed before coding
Correct answer: An additional code should be assigned if the condition exists
A 'Code also' note instructs the coder to assign an additional code if the associated condition is present.
Question 2: Which chapter in ICD-10-CM contains codes for factors influencing health status (Z codes)?
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Chapter 21
Chapter 21 of ICD-10-CM contains Z codes (Z00–Z99) for factors influencing health status and contact with health services.
Question 3: When a patient is seen for a condition that is both acute and chronic, how should it be coded?
- Code the acute condition only
- Code the chronic condition only
- Code the acute condition first, then the chronic (Correct answer)
- Code the chronic condition first, then the acute
Correct answer: Code the acute condition first, then the chronic
When both acute and chronic forms of a condition exist and both subentries exist in the index, sequence the acute code first.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a 'late effect' or sequela code (7th character 'S') in ICD-10-CM?
- Indicates the condition has resolved
- Identifies residual conditions that remain after the acute phase of an illness or injury (Correct answer)
- Used for subsequent encounters during active treatment
- Indicates the condition is due to a drug reaction
Correct answer: Identifies residual conditions that remain after the acute phase of an illness or injury
The 7th character 'S' (sequela) identifies residual conditions that remain after the acute phase of the illness or injury has resolved.
Question 5: How are signs and symptoms coded in ICD-10-CM when a definitive diagnosis has been established?
- They are always coded regardless of the definitive diagnosis
- They are coded separately if they are not integral to the definitive diagnosis (Correct answer)
- They are never coded once a diagnosis is confirmed
- They are coded first before the definitive diagnosis
Correct answer: They are coded separately if they are not integral to the definitive diagnosis
Signs and symptoms that are not routinely associated with a confirmed diagnosis may be coded separately.
Question 6: Which ICD-10-CM coding convention means 'not otherwise specified'?
- NEC
- NOS (Correct answer)
- CC
- MCC
Correct answer: NOS
NOS means 'not otherwise specified' and is used when the documentation lacks sufficient detail to assign a more specific code.
CPC ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding 2
What does the instructional note 'Code also' in ICD-10-CM indicate?