Final answer:
In medical coding, therapeutic services should be coded accurately to reflect necessary care without implying unnecessary procedures, in alignment with the principle of nonmaleficence that prioritizes patient safety and minimal harm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The coding rule when patients are receiving therapeutic services only in a clinical setting involves accurately reflecting the level of care, the type of service provided, and any specific procedures performed. The principle of nonmaleficence underlines the importance of minimizing harm, which implies that only necessary therapeutic services should be rendered, and codes should be chosen that represent these services without indicating any unnecessary or harmful procedures or tests. This principle is vital in clinical care to ensure that patient safety is prioritized and that the treatments provided are essential for their recovery or management of conditions.