Introduction to ICD-10-CM Coding: A Comprehensive Guide for Medical Assistants

Question 1

What is the hierarchical structure of ICD-10-CM codes primarily based on?

Accepted Answer

Anatomic location

Answer

Etiology

Answer

Severity

Answer

Procedure type

Question 2

Which of the following is a key difference between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM coding systems?

Accepted Answer

Increased specificity and granularity

Answer

Number of characters in the code

Answer

Use of Roman numerals

Answer

Inclusion of external cause codes

Question 3

What is the purpose of using a combination code in ICD-10-CM?

Accepted Answer

To indicate a condition that cannot be coded with a single code

Answer

To provide additional detail about a condition

Answer

To reduce the number of codes used

Answer

To improve specificity in coding

Question 4

What is the correct guideline for assigning a principal diagnosis code?

Accepted Answer

It should be the condition that is the primary reason for the patient's visit

Answer

It should be the condition that is most severe

Answer

It should be the condition that is listed first in the medical record

Answer

It should be the condition that is most likely to result in payment

Question 5

Identifying the main purpose of the ICD-10-CM coding system, which of the following is its primary objective?

Accepted Answer

Designating medical diagnoses and procedures accurately

Answer

Processing invoices for healthcare services

Answer

Monitoring patient progress and outcomes

Answer

Gathering data for research studies

Question 6

Within the structure of ICD-10-CM codes, what is the correct sequence of elements?

Accepted Answer

Chapter, Category, Subcategory, Code

Answer

Code, Category, Chapter, Subcategory

Answer

Category, Chapter, Subcategory, Code

Answer

Subcategory, Chapter, Category, Code

Question 7

Regarding the alphabetic index in ICD-10-CM, what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating code identification using keywords

Answer

Enabling code retrieval based on numeric values

Answer

Providing a chapter-wise listing of codes

Answer

Displaying codes organized by category

Question 8

In ICD-10-CM coding, why is specificity crucial?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring accurate coding and appropriate reimbursement

Answer

Minimizing the number of codes used

Answer

Simplifying the coding process

Answer

Enhancing data analysis capabilities

Question 9

What is the key difference between ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding systems?

Accepted Answer

ICD-10-PCS codes are used for coding both inpatient and outpatient procedures.

Answer

ICD-10-CM codes are used for inpatient procedures, while ICD-10-PCS codes are used for outpatient procedures.

Answer

ICD-10-CM codes are more specific than ICD-10-PCS codes.

Answer

There is no difference between ICD-10-CM codes and ICD-10-PCS codes.

Question 10

In ICD-10-CM coding, what is the term for a code that describes a condition that has been present for less than three months?

Accepted Answer

Acute

Answer

Chronic

Answer

Unspecified

Answer

Exacerbation

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct ICD-10-CM code for a closed fracture of the distal phalanx of the right thumb?

Accepted Answer

S62.211A: Closed fracture of the distal phalanx of the right thumb

Answer

S62.221A: Closed fracture of the middle phalanx of the right thumb

Answer

S62.231A: Closed fracture of the proximal phalanx of the right thumb

Answer

S62.241A: Closed fracture of the metacarpal bone of the right thumb

Question 12

In the medical coding process, what is the role of a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

Assigning and verifying codes

Answer

Interpreting medical records

Answer

Educating patients about coding

Answer

Auditing medical records for accuracy

Question 13

Which resource is considered indispensable for coding professionals?

Accepted Answer

ICD-10-CM Coding Manual

Answer

Online coding discussion forums

Answer

Medical dictionaries

Answer

Clinical guidelines

Question 14

Which of the following is not a principle for accurate medical coding?

Accepted Answer

Round numbers when assigning codes

Answer

Adhere to official coding guidelines

Answer

Use specific codes whenever applicable

Answer

Document the justification for code selection

Question 15

What is the primary purpose of ICD-10-CM coding?

Accepted Answer

To identify and classify diseases and injuries accurately for statistical, billing, and research purposes

Answer

To track patient demographics and personal information

Answer

To bill for medical services exclusively

Answer

To record a patient's complete medical history

Question 16

The primary purpose of the ICD-10-CM coding system is to:

Accepted Answer

Classify and code medical diagnoses and procedures for statistical and reimbursement purposes

Answer

Determine the severity of patient conditions

Answer

Guide treatment plans for healthcare professionals

Question 17

The hierarchical structure of the ICD-10-CM coding system consists of:

Accepted Answer

Chapters, blocks, and categories, arranged in a three-tiered hierarchy

Answer

A flat list with no hierarchical organization

Answer

Sections, subsections, and codes, organized in a two-tiered structure

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a type of code included in the ICD-10-CM coding system?

Accepted Answer

Billing code

Answer

External cause code

Answer

Procedure code

Answer

Diagnosis code

Question 19

The significance of the seventh character in an ICD-10-CM code is that it:

Accepted Answer

Indicates the level of detail and specificity of the code

Answer

Identifies the type of healthcare setting

Answer

Specifies the body part or system affected

Answer

Determines the reimbursement rate for the associated procedure

Question 20

For accurate ICD-10-CM coding, it is recommended to:

Accepted Answer

Always assign the code with the most specific description, regardless of the number of characters

Answer

Select codes based on the healthcare provider's preference

Answer

Prioritize codes with fewer characters to simplify documentation

Question 21

The key difference between ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes lies in their:

Accepted Answer

Purpose; ICD-10-CM classifies diagnoses, while ICD-10-PCS classifies procedures

Answer

Specificity; ICD-10-CM codes are more specific than ICD-10-PCS codes

Answer

Usage; ICD-10-CM codes are used for inpatient settings, and ICD-10-PCS codes are for outpatient settings

Question 22

The official and authoritative resource for ICD-10-CM coding guidelines is the:

Accepted Answer

ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Answer

CMS's Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II

Answer

AMA's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding Manual

Question 23

To stay updated on the latest ICD-10-CM coding changes, it is advisable to:

Accepted Answer

Regularly consult the CMS website and subscribe to reliable coding newsletters

Answer

Rely solely on information provided by colleagues

Answer

Continue using outdated coding manuals as they may still contain relevant information

Question 24

Understanding the relationship between ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes is crucial because it enables medical coders to:

Accepted Answer

Accurately assign both diagnosis and procedure codes for complete patient encounters

Answer

Determine the appropriate level of patient care

Answer

Enhance patient satisfaction with healthcare services