ICD 10 Coding Guidelines

Question 1

What should you code first in an outpatient encounter?

Accepted Answer

The reason for the encounter or visit

Answer

The most severe condition

Answer

The chronic conditions

Answer

Symptoms only

Question 2

When should you use an acute and chronic code together?

Accepted Answer

When a condition has both an acute exacerbation and an underlying chronic condition, code both with the acute code first

Answer

Never

Answer

Only for respiratory conditions

Answer

Only in inpatient settings

Question 3

What is the 'code first' convention?

Accepted Answer

Certain codes must be sequenced before others; the underlying condition is coded first followed by the manifestation

Answer

Always code alphabetically

Answer

Code the first condition diagnosed

Answer

An obsolete rule

Question 4

Can you code a suspected or probable diagnosis in outpatient settings?

Accepted Answer

No, code only confirmed conditions or the signs/symptoms in outpatient settings

Answer

Yes, always

Answer

Only with physician approval

Answer

Only for cancer

Question 5

What is sequencing in ICD-10-CM?

Accepted Answer

The order in which diagnosis codes are listed, with the principal/first-listed diagnosis sequenced first

Answer

Putting codes in alphabetical order

Answer

Numbering codes

Answer

A random arrangement

Question 6

What does 'code also' mean in ICD-10-CM?

Accepted Answer

An instruction that two codes may be needed together to fully describe a condition, with either code potentially sequenced first

Answer

An optional instruction

Answer

Code again in another system

Answer

An error message