CCS CCS ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding

Question 1

What does an 'Excludes1' note in ICD-10-CM mean?

Accepted Answer

The two conditions cannot occur together and cannot be coded simultaneously

Answer

An Excludes1 note means the two conditions are mutually exclusive and cannot be reported together on the same claim.

Question 2

In ICD-10-CM, what is the purpose of a 7th character 'S' (sequela)?

Accepted Answer

Indicates complications or conditions that arise as a direct result of a previous injury or illness

Answer

The 7th character 'S' identifies sequela, which are late effects or residual conditions resulting from a previous injury or illness.

Question 3

Which ICD-10-CM instruction requires the underlying condition to be coded first, followed by the manifestation?

Accepted Answer

Code first

Answer

A 'Code first' note instructs the coder to sequence the underlying etiology before the manifestation code.

Question 4

What does the placeholder character 'X' serve in ICD-10-CM codes?

Accepted Answer

Fills an empty character position to allow a future 7th character to be added

Answer

The placeholder X is used to fill character positions that have no assigned value so a required 7th character can be added.

Question 5

According to ICD-10-CM guidelines, how should an uncertain diagnosis be handled in the inpatient setting?

Accepted Answer

Code the condition as if confirmed

Answer

For inpatient encounters, ICD-10-CM guidelines allow coding a condition described as 'probable,' 'suspected,' or 'possible' as if established.

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