Question

multiple choice question

which of these help to point to the correct term but do not have to appear in the physicians diagnostic statement for the coder to correctly select the code?

nonessential modifiers
subterms
main terms
essential modifiers

Explanation:

Analyze the question requirements

The question asks to identify which coding term or modifier helps point to the correct code in the Alphabetic Index but does not need to be explicitly written in the physician's diagnostic statement.

Evaluate the options

Using the Nonessential modifiers knowledge point

• Nonessential modifiers are supplementary words enclosed in parentheses in the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index. They provide additional descriptive detail but their presence or absence in the physician's diagnostic statement does not affect the code assignment.
• Subterms (essential modifiers) are indented under the main term and affect code selection; they must be documented in the diagnostic statement to apply.
• Main terms represent the disease, condition, or symptom and must be documented.
• Essential modifiers are subterms that must be present in the diagnostic statement to assign that specific code.

Therefore, the correct term is "Nonessential modifiers".

Answer:

• Nonessential modifiers (Correct answer)
• Subterms
• Main terms
• Essential modifiers