In ICD-10-CM, how many characters may a valid diagnosis code contain?
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Medical Office Assistant · Medical Economics, Billing, and Coding
Code Specificity, Laterality, and Placeholders
On this page 3 sections
Quick check
5 questions here, of 85 in this lesson’s practice set. Answers stay hidden until you check.
The first character of every ICD-10-CM code is always a(n) ____.
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What does the instruction to 'code to the highest level of specificity' require of a coder?
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A three-character ICD-10-CM code is best described as ____.
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A record documents a 'fracture' but does not state the specific bone or the side affected. What is the correct coding action?
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Study tools & related lessonsYou’ll learn to · Related
You’ll learn to
- Apply ICD-10-CM code specificity by selecting the most specific code that the documentation supports.
- Apply laterality (right, left, and bilateral) correctly when assigning codes for paired body structures.
- Use the placeholder character 'X' correctly to preserve the 7th character position in codes that require one.
- Apply 7th character requirements (initial, subsequent, and sequela) correctly for injuries and fractures.
- Escalate unclear or incomplete documentation to the provider or supervisor per office policy.
Sources & references
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — ICD-10
- World Health Organization — ICD-10 Classification of Diseases
- American Health Information Management Association — AHIMA - Health Information and Coding
This lesson was adapted from the open educational references above; their licenses and attributions are preserved. See Copyright & Licensing.
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