Question

multiple choice question

the order of the codes must be the same as shown in the alphabetic index; the ____ comes first, followed by the ____ code.

category; subcategory
code; category
manifestation; etiology
etiology; manifestation

Explanation:

Identify the coding convention

The question asks about the sequencing order of codes when referencing the Alphabetic Index in medical coding (specifically ICD-10-CM). It mentions that the order of the codes must be the same as shown in the Alphabetic Index, where one type of code comes first, followed by another.

Apply the etiology/manifestation rule

In medical coding, the Etiology Manifestation Convention is a fundamental rule. Under this convention, the underlying condition (the etiology) must be sequenced first, followed by the manifestation (the condition or symptom that results from the underlying cause).

In the Alphabetic Index, this is often indicated by listing the manifestation code in brackets next to the etiology code, signaling that the etiology code is sequenced first and the manifestation code is sequenced second. Therefore, the etiology comes first, followed by the manifestation code.

Evaluate the options

• category; subcategory: This refers to the structure of a code, not the sequencing of multiple codes for a disease process.
• code; category: This is incorrect as a category is a part of a code.
• manifestation; etiology: This is the reverse of the correct sequencing rule.
• etiology; manifestation: This correctly identifies that the underlying cause (etiology) is sequenced first, followed by the manifestation.

Answer:

• category; subcategory
• code; category
• manifestation; etiology
• etiology; manifestation (Correct answer)