CMC ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In ICD-10-CM, what does the 7th character 'A' indicate when appended to a fracture code?
- Subsequent encounter
- Initial encounter for active treatment (Correct answer)
- Sequela
- Delayed healing
Correct answer: Initial encounter for active treatment
The 7th character 'A' in ICD-10-CM fracture codes designates the initial encounter when the patient is receiving active treatment for the injury.
Question 2: Which ICD-10-CM chapter contains codes for diseases of the circulatory system?
- Chapter 9 (Correct answer)
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 7
Correct answer: Chapter 9
ICD-10-CM Chapter 9 (I00–I99) covers diseases of the circulatory system, including heart disease and stroke.
Question 3: When coding a condition described as 'probable' or 'suspected' in an outpatient setting, what should the coder assign?
- The confirmed diagnosis code
- The sign or symptom code (Correct answer)
- An uncertain diagnosis code
- A history code
Correct answer: The sign or symptom code
In outpatient coding, suspected or probable diagnoses are not coded as confirmed; instead, the presenting sign, symptom, or abnormal finding is coded.
Question 4: What is the correct sequencing rule for coding Type 2 diabetes with diabetic chronic kidney disease?
- Code the CKD first, then diabetes
- Code diabetes first as the principal diagnosis, then the CKD
- Use a combination code that includes both conditions (Correct answer)
- Code only the CKD
Correct answer: Use a combination code that includes both conditions
ICD-10-CM provides combination codes (e.g., E11.22) that capture both Type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic chronic kidney disease in a single code.
Question 5: Which placeholder character is used in ICD-10-CM when a code requires a 7th character but has fewer than 6 characters?
- 0
- 9
- X (Correct answer)
- Z
Correct answer: X
The letter 'X' serves as a placeholder in ICD-10-CM to fill empty character positions so the required 7th character can be appended correctly.
Question 6: What does the ICD-10-CM abbreviation 'NEC' stand for?
- Not Elsewhere Coded (Correct answer)
- Not Electronically Classified
- No Established Criteria
- Not Explicitly Confirmed
Correct answer: Not Elsewhere Coded
'NEC' stands for 'Not Elsewhere Classified' and is used when the classification does not provide a specific code for the condition being documented.
CMC ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding 1
In ICD-10-CM, what does the 7th character 'A' indicate when appended to a fracture code?