Question

multiple choice question

which index contains all the medical terms in the tabular list classifications and, for some conditions, also lists common terms that are not found in the tabular list?

alphabetic index
icd-10-cm
diagnostic index
tabular index

Explanation:

Identify the components of ICD-10-CM

Using the ICD-10 Coding Guidelines and ICD-10 Tabular List Organization knowledge points, we recall that the ICD-10-CM codebook is divided into two primary parts: the Alphabetic Index and the Tabular List.

Analyze the function of the Alphabetic Index

The Alphabetic Index is an alphabetical list of medical terms (diagnoses, symptoms, conditions) and their corresponding codes. It contains all the medical terms in the Tabular List classifications and often lists common synonyms or colloquial terms that may not be explicitly written in the structured Tabular List. Coders always use the Alphabetic Index first to locate a term before verifying it in the Tabular List.

Evaluate the given options

• Alphabetic Index: Correct. It matches the description of containing all medical terms in the Tabular List and additional common terms.
• ICD-10-CM: Incorrect. This refers to the entire coding system, not a specific index.
• Diagnostic Index: Incorrect. This is not a standard component name of the ICD-10-CM manual.
• Tabular Index: Incorrect. The Tabular List is structured numerically/alphanumerically by chapter, not as an alphabetical index.

Answer:

• (A) Alphabetic Index (Correct answer)
• (B) ICD-10-CM
• (C) Diagnostic Index
• (D) Tabular Index