Free Medical Coding (CMCS) Sample Questions and Answers

Question 1

Describe ICD-9-CM

Accepted Answer

International Classification of Disease, 9th revision, Clinical Modification

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Volume 1- tabular, volume 2- alphabetic, volume 3- procedure

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

V codes and E codes

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Procedure-Volume 3

Answer

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.

Accepted Answer

NEC

Answer

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.

Certified Medical Coding Specialist Practice Test

Certified Medical Coding Specialist Practice Test

Free Medical Coding (CMCS) Sample Questions and Answers