RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician Medical Coding Principles 2

Question 1

What is the correct definition of the 'principal diagnosis' in inpatient coding?

Accepted Answer

The condition established after study to be chiefly responsible for occasioning the admission

Answer

The most severe diagnosis

Answer

The first diagnosis listed by the physician

Answer

The diagnosis with highest reimbursement

Question 2

In ICD-10-CM, what is the purpose of the seventh character?

Accepted Answer

To provide additional information such as the type of encounter (initial, subsequent, or sequela)

Answer

To identify the physician

Answer

To indicate the patient's age

Answer

To specify the hospital department

Question 3

What is the difference between a CC and an MCC in the MS-DRG system?

Accepted Answer

An MCC represents a more severe secondary condition with greater impact on resource utilization and higher-weighted DRG

Answer

There is no difference

Answer

A CC is for surgical patients

Answer

CCs apply to Medicare and MCCs to Medicaid

Question 4

When coding an outpatient encounter without a definitive diagnosis, what should the coder assign?

Accepted Answer

Signs and symptoms codes that are documented and relevant

Answer

A 'rule out' diagnosis code

Answer

The most probable diagnosis

Answer

No diagnosis code

Question 5

What is the purpose of CPT modifiers?

Accepted Answer

To provide additional information about circumstances without changing the code's definition

Answer

To change the procedure description entirely

Answer

To increase reimbursement

Answer

To replace the CPT code

Question 6

What is unbundling in medical coding and why is it a compliance concern?

Accepted Answer

Fraudulently billing separately for services that should be reported under a single comprehensive code

Answer

A legitimate coding practice

Answer

Removing codes from a claim

Answer

Required for Medicare claims