COBGC Coding Guidelines and Conventions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the “*” symbol in ICD-10-CM indicate?
- A placeholder for additional characters (Correct answer)
- A code is not billable
- A code requires a specific modifier
- A code needs more specificity
Correct answer: A placeholder for additional characters
In ICD-10-CM, the letter 'X' (not an asterisk '*') is used as a placeholder character. This placeholder is crucial when a code has fewer than six characters but requires a seventh character for full specificity. It ensures that the code maintains its proper structure and allows for future expansion, enabling the assignment of more detailed subcategories when necessary.
Question 2: In CPT coding, what is the purpose of using a “modifier”?
- To change the base code completely
- To delete a code from the list
- To create a new code
- To indicate that a service was performed with special circumstances (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To indicate that a service was performed with special circumstances
In CPT coding, a modifier is a two-digit code appended to a CPT code to indicate that a service or procedure was performed with special circumstances. It provides additional information about how the service was performed, such as indicating a bilateral procedure, multiple procedures, or that only a professional component of a service was rendered, without changing the basic definition of the code.
Question 3: Which coding guideline helps determine whether a procedure should be bundled or separately coded?
- National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) (Correct answer)
- Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)
- International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
- Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
Correct answer: National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI)
The National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) is a set of coding guidelines developed by CMS to promote correct coding methodologies and prevent improper coding. NCCI edits identify code pairs that should not be billed together (mutually exclusive) or services that are typically performed together and should be bundled into a single code, thus determining whether a procedure should be bundled or separately coded.
Question 4: How are “excludes1” and “excludes2” notes used in ICD-10-CM coding?
- To show the required documentation for a specific code
- To provide instructions on how to report a service with a modifier
- To indicate a code that cannot be used with another code (Correct answer)
- To list alternative codes for a diagnosis
Correct answer: To indicate a code that cannot be used with another code
In ICD-10-CM coding, "Excludes1" and "Excludes2" notes provide crucial instructions on how to use codes together. An "Excludes1" note means the two conditions cannot occur together and therefore cannot be coded together. An "Excludes2" note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient could have both conditions simultaneously, allowing both codes to be used.
Question 5: What is the main purpose of using the “add-on” codes in CPT coding?
- To modify an existing code
- To replace a primary code
- To indicate a bundled set of services
- To report a service that is performed in conjunction with a primary procedure (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To report a service that is performed in conjunction with a primary procedure
The main purpose of using "add-on" codes in CPT coding is to report a service that is performed in conjunction with a primary procedure. These codes describe additional services that are commonly carried out at the same time as a primary procedure but are not considered an inherent part of it. Add-on codes are never reported as stand-alone codes and must always be appended to a primary procedure code.
COBGC Coding Guidelines and Conventions 1
What does the “*” symbol in ICD-10-CM indicate?