RHIT Medical Coding Principles 3

Question 1

In HCPCS Level II coding, which category of codes is used for durable medical equipment (DME)?

Accepted Answer

E codes

Answer

HCPCS Level II 'E' codes (E0100–E8002) are designated for durable medical equipment.

Question 2

What is the correct action when ICD-10-CM instructs 'Code first the underlying condition' beneath a manifestation code?

Accepted Answer

Sequence the underlying condition code first, then the manifestation

Answer

The etiology/manifestation convention requires the underlying disease to be sequenced first, followed by the manifestation.

Question 3

A coder finds a diagnosis documented as 'probable pneumonia' in an outpatient record. What is the correct coding approach?

Accepted Answer

Code the sign or symptom (e.g., cough, fever) that prompted the visit

Answer

Outpatient coding guidelines prohibit coding uncertain diagnoses; the coder should report the sign/symptom instead.

Question 4

Which modifier is appended to a CPT code to indicate that a procedure was performed bilaterally?

Accepted Answer

-50

Answer

CPT modifier -50 indicates a bilateral procedure performed at the same operative session.

Question 5

In ICD-10-CM, what is the significance of a 7th character 'A' in injury codes?

Accepted Answer

Initial encounter — active treatment phase

Answer

The 7th character 'A' denotes the initial encounter when the patient is receiving active treatment for the injury.

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