Question

multiple choice question

a nonessential modifier can be found next to the main term in:

parentheses
quotation marks
highlights
brackets

Explanation:

Identify the role of nonessential modifiers

In ICD-10-CM coding, Nonessential modifiers are supplementary words or terms that may be present or absent in the diagnostic statement without affecting the code assignment. These terms are used to provide additional descriptive detail but do not change the code selection.

Determine the punctuation used for nonessential modifiers

Under standard ICD-10 Conventions, nonessential modifiers are enclosed in Parentheses in ICD-10 and are located immediately following a main term in the Alphabetic Index.

Evaluate the given options

• parentheses: Correct. Parentheses are used to enclose nonessential modifiers.
• quotation marks: Incorrect. Quotation marks are not used for this purpose in ICD-10-CM.
• highlights: Incorrect. Highlights are visual aids in coding manuals but do not define nonessential modifiers.
• brackets: Incorrect. Brackets are used in the Alphabetic Index to identify manifestation codes and in the Tabular List to enclose synonyms, alternative wording, or explanatory phrases.

Answer:

• (A) parentheses (Correct answer)
• (B) quotation marks
• (C) highlights
• (D) brackets