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

The UHDDS guideline requires coding the condition established after study as the principal diagnosis, not the admitting 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 'X' placeholder fills a character position so a required character (often 7th) can be assigned correctly.

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

ICD-10-CM provides combination codes for diabetes with complications; the CKD stage is coded additionally per guidelines.

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

CPT defines a new patient as one who has not received professional services from the physician/group within the past 3 years.

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

The Table of Neoplasms organizes codes by anatomic site and neoplasm behavior, directing coders to the appropriate code.

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