Chapter 1, 3, 21 Flashcards
[ ]
Brackets enclose synonyms, alternative wording, or explanatory phrases.
Slanted [ ]
Used in the alpha index to enclose a code that must be used with a code for the underlying/primary disease
codes that should be listed second
( )
Parenthesis enclose nonessential modifiers; supplementary words that may be present OR absent in the statement of the disease or procedure without affecting code assignment.
:
Incomplete term that needs one or more additional terms to make a code assignable
NEC
Not elsewhere classifiable. Used when a more specific code is not available
NOS
Not otherwise specified. Used when information in record is insufficient, i.e. unspecified.
Includes
Further define, clarify, or give examples of the content of the code category
Excludes 1
Indicates conditions listed after it can never be used in with the code above the note
Excludes 2
Two codes are assigned when both conditions are present
And
Interpreted as “and/or”
With/Without
When these 2 options are present the default is ‘without’
Steps to correct coding
- review the coding conventions and the general coding guidelines
- look up the main term (boldface type) in the alphabetic index and scan the subtermk entries as appropriate
- note all parenthetical terms (nonessential modifiers) that help in code selection but do not affect code assignment
Code first
When an underlying condition is present, the underlying condition should be sequenced first
Use additional code
Serves as a reminder that an additional code might be required to fully describe the condition. This also indicates the sequencing required.
Code also
Two codes may be required to fully describe the condition. No sequencing direction.