Free Medical Coding (CMCS) Sample Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Describe ICD-9-CM
- International Clinical of Disorders, 9th revision, Classification Modification
- International Classification of Disorders, 9th revision, Clinical Modification
- None
- International Classification of Disease, 9th revision, Clinical Modification (Correct answer)
Correct answer: International Classification of Disease, 9th revision, Clinical Modification
ICD-9-CM stands for International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification. It is a system used to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in conjunction with hospital care in the United States. This classification system provides a standardized way to categorize medical conditions for billing, statistical, and research purposes.
Question 2: What constitutes each of the three ICD-9 volumes' classifications?
- Volume 1- procedure, volume 2- alphabetic, volume 3- tabular
- Volume 1- tabular, volume 2- alphabetic, volume 3- procedure (Correct answer)
- None
- Volume 1- alphabetic, volume 2- tabular, volume 3- procedure
Correct answer: Volume 1- tabular, volume 2- alphabetic, volume 3- procedure
The ICD-9-CM coding system is divided into three main volumes. Volume 1 contains the Tabular List of Diseases, providing the numerical codes. Volume 2 is the Alphabetic Index of Diseases, used to look up terms and find corresponding codes. Volume 3 is the Tabular List and Alphabetic Index of Procedures, used for coding surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures.
Question 3: What is contained in volume 3 of the tabular volume?
- Nomenclatures
- C codes and V codes
- NOC, NES
- V codes and E codes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: V codes and E codes
In ICD-9-CM, Volume 1 (Tabular List of Diseases) includes supplementary classifications known as V codes and E codes. V codes are used to classify encounters for reasons other than illness or injury, such as routine check-ups or vaccinations. E codes are used to classify external causes of injury and poisoning, providing crucial information about how an injury occurred.
Question 4: Which volume has the operations and processes classification?
- Procedure-Volume 3 (Correct answer)
- Tabular-Volume 1
- All of the above
- Alphabetic-Volume 2
Correct answer: Procedure-Volume 3
In the ICD-9-CM coding system, Volume 3 is specifically dedicated to the classification of procedures. This volume contains both the Tabular List and the Alphabetic Index for procedures, allowing coders to accurately assign codes for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions performed in inpatient settings. It is essential for proper billing and statistical tracking of medical procedures.
Question 5: The phrase "not elsewhere classified" is used in Volume 2 to indicate that there isn't a separate classification for the condition.
- NCC
- NEC (Correct answer)
- NOS
- NOC
Correct answer: NEC
NEC stands for 'Not Elsewhere Classified' in medical coding. It is used when the documentation provides a specific diagnosis, but the coding system does not offer a more precise code to fully describe that condition. This directs the coder to use the most specific available code, even if it's not perfectly detailed.
Question 6: When neither the diagnostic statement nor the health records include the necessary information, "not otherwise stated" is used in Volume 1.
- NOS (Correct answer)
- NEC
- None
- Both
Correct answer: NOS
NOS stands for 'Not Otherwise Specified' in medical coding. This abbreviation is used when the diagnostic statement or health records lack sufficient detail to assign a more specific code. It indicates that the information provided is too general, and the coder cannot determine a more precise diagnosis from the available documentation.
Question 7: They are used to distinguish between synonyms for the same code inserted at the start of a chapter or section.
- None
- Inclusion notes (Correct answer)
- NEC
- Exclusion notes
Correct answer: Inclusion notes
Inclusion notes are found in medical coding manuals and list conditions that are included under a particular code or category. They serve to clarify the content of a code by providing examples of diagnoses that fall within that classification. These notes help distinguish between synonyms and ensure accurate code assignment.
Free Medical Coding (CMCS) Sample Questions and Answers
Describe ICD-9-CM