CPC ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the abbreviation ICD-10-CM stand for?
- International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (Correct answer)
- International Coding of Diagnoses, 10th Revision, Clinical Manual
- Internal Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Coding Manual
- International Classification of Diagnoses, 10th Revision, Clinical Method
Correct answer: International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification
ICD-10-CM stands for International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification — the U.S. diagnostic coding system.
Question 2: What is the maximum number of characters an ICD-10-CM code can have?
- 5
- 6
- 7 (Correct answer)
- 8
Correct answer: 7
ICD-10-CM codes have a maximum of 7 characters: a 3-character category followed by up to 4 additional alphanumeric characters.
Question 3: In ICD-10-CM, what type of character always occupies the first position of every code?
- A numeric digit representing severity
- A numeric digit representing the body system
- An alpha character representing the chapter category (Correct answer)
- A special character representing code type
Correct answer: An alpha character representing the chapter category
The first character of every ICD-10-CM code is always an alpha (letter) character, which identifies the chapter grouping.
Question 4: What does the abbreviation 'NEC' mean in ICD-10-CM?
- Not Elsewhere Classified (Correct answer)
- Not Entirely Coded
- No Established Criteria
- Not Entered in Category
Correct answer: Not Elsewhere Classified
NEC stands for 'Not Elsewhere Classified,' used when the provider's documentation is specific but no dedicated code exists for that specificity.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a placeholder 'X' in ICD-10-CM?
- To indicate an unspecified or unknown diagnosis
- To allow a code to extend to a required 7th character position (Correct answer)
- To represent an external cause secondary code
- To flag a manifestation code
Correct answer: To allow a code to extend to a required 7th character position
The placeholder X fills an empty character position so that a code requiring a 7th character can be properly structured.
Question 6: Where is the decimal point placed in an ICD-10-CM code?
- After the 2nd character
- After the 3rd character (Correct answer)
- After the 4th character
- After the 5th character
Correct answer: After the 3rd character
The decimal point in an ICD-10-CM code is always placed after the 3rd character (the category), separating the category from the etiology/anatomic site/severity characters.
Question 7: What does the abbreviation 'NOS' mean in ICD-10-CM?
- Not Otherwise Specified (Correct answer)
- No Operative Symptoms
- Not On Schedule
- No Other Source Available
Correct answer: Not Otherwise Specified
NOS means 'Not Otherwise Specified,' equivalent to 'unspecified,' used when documentation does not provide enough detail for a more precise code.
CPC ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding 1
What does the abbreviation ICD-10-CM stand for?