Question

multiple select question

select all that apply

which of the following are guidelines observed to verify the selection of the correct code in the tabular list?

• follow any instructions requiring the selection of additional codes.
• review the subterms to find the most specific match to the diagnosis.
• read includes or excludes notes, checking back to see if any apply to the codes category, section, or chapter.
• read and follow any notes below the main term.
• list multiple codes in the correct order.
• be alert for and follow instructions for additional digit requirements.

Explanation:

Understand the coding process phases

In medical coding (such as ICD-10-CM), the coding process is divided into two main phases:

1. Locating the term in the Alphabetic Index.
2. Verifying the code in the Tabular List.

Using the ICD-10 Coding Steps knowledge point, we must distinguish between steps performed in the Alphabetic Index and those performed in the Tabular List.

Analyze each option for Tabular List verification

• Follow any instructions requiring the selection of additional codes.
• Analysis: This is a key step when verifying a code in the Tabular List. Instructions such as "Use additional code" or "Code first" are found in the Tabular List to ensure complete and accurate coding. (Correct)

• Review the subterms to find the most specific match to the diagnosis.
• Analysis: Reviewing subterms under a main term is done in the Alphabetic Index, not during verification in the Tabular List. (Incorrect)

• Read includes or excludes notes, checking back to see if any apply to the code's category, section, or chapter.
• Analysis: "Includes" and "Excludes" (Excludes1 and Excludes2) notes are specific instructional notes located in the Tabular List at the code, category, section, or chapter level. Checking these is essential for verification. (Correct)

• Read and follow any notes below the main term.
• Analysis: Notes below a main term are located in the Alphabetic Index, not the Tabular List. (Incorrect)

• List multiple codes in the correct order.
• Analysis: When verifying codes in the Tabular List, sequencing instructions (such as "code first underlying disease") dictate the correct order of multiple codes. Following these sequencing rules is part of the verification process. (Correct)

• Be alert for and follow instructions for additional digit requirements.
• Analysis: The Tabular List contains symbols or instructional notes indicating that a code requires a 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th character (additional digits) to be complete and valid. (Correct)

Answer:

• Follow any instructions requiring the selection of additional codes. (Correct answer)
• Review the subterms to find the most specific match to the diagnosis.
• Read includes or excludes notes, checking back to see if any apply to the code's category, section, or chapter. (Correct answer)
• Read and follow any notes below the main term.
• List multiple codes in the correct order. (Correct answer)
• Be alert for and follow instructions for additional digit requirements. (Correct answer)