Question

in icd-10-cm coding, when a code needs a seventh character and no sixth character exists, you need to

multiple choice

add a \0\ in the sixth character.

code only to the fifth character.

code to the seventh character by adding an \a\ at the end.

use a placeholder \x\ in the sixth character.

Explanation:

Identify the coding rule

Using the ICD-10 Placeholder Character and Dummy Placeholder knowledge points

In ICD-10-CM coding, certain codes require a seventh character to provide additional clinical details (such as encounter type). If a code requires a seventh character but does not have enough characters to fill up to the sixth position, a placeholder character must be used to fill the empty spaces.

Determine the correct placeholder

The standard placeholder character designated by ICD-10-CM guidelines is the lowercase letter "x". This placeholder holds the empty positions (such as the fifth or sixth character) so that the seventh character can be placed in its correct, final seventh position.

Answer:

• add a "0" in the sixth character.
• code only to the fifth character.
• code to the seventh character by adding an "A" at the end.
• use a placeholder "x" in the sixth character. (Correct answer)