RHIT Medical Coding Principles 2

Question 1

Which coding guideline applies when a patient is admitted with a condition that develops into a more specific diagnosis during the stay?

Accepted Answer

Code the final confirmed diagnosis as the principal diagnosis

Answer

Code the admitting diagnosis only

Answer

Code both the initial and final diagnoses

Answer

Use a Z code for uncertain diagnosis

Question 2

In ICD-10-CM, what does an 'X' placeholder in a code indicate?

Accepted Answer

A dummy placeholder used to allow for future expansion or to reach a required character position

Answer

The code requires a 7th character extension

Answer

The diagnosis is excludes note type 1

Answer

The code is a manifestation code

Question 3

When coding a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic chronic kidney disease stage 3, what is the correct coding approach?

Accepted Answer

Code the diabetes with CKD combination code, then add the CKD stage code

Answer

Code only the diabetes

Answer

Code only the CKD

Answer

Code CKD first, then diabetes as secondary

Question 4

In CPT coding, what distinguishes a 'new patient' from an 'established patient' for E/M services?

Accepted Answer

A new patient has not received professional services from the physician or same group practice within the past 3 years

Answer

A new patient has not been seen by the physician in over 1 year

Answer

A new patient is one who has never visited the facility

Answer

A new patient has a new insurance plan

Question 5

What is the purpose of the 'Table of Neoplasms' in the ICD-10-CM index?

Accepted Answer

To guide coders to the correct code based on site and behavior (malignant, benign, uncertain, etc.)

Answer

To list all cancers by body system only

Answer

To provide staging information for tumors

Answer

To cross-reference CPT oncology codes

Question 6

A patient undergoes a laparoscopic appendectomy that is converted to an open procedure. How should this be coded in CPT?

Accepted Answer

Code only the open appendectomy

Answer

Code only the laparoscopic approach with a modifier

Answer

Code both the laparoscopic and open procedures

Answer

Code the open appendectomy and add modifier -52

Question 7

Which ICD-10-CM guideline governs the sequencing of a complication code versus the underlying condition?

Accepted Answer

The underlying condition is sequenced first unless the complication is the reason for the encounter

Answer

Complication codes are always sequenced first

Answer

Manifestation codes are sequenced before etiology codes

Answer

Complication codes are never used as principal diagnosis