Question

Codes that describe signs and symptoms, as opposed to definitive diagnoses, are acceptable to report when:

a. the physician uses the terminology "rule out" or "probable"
b. the coder cannot find the appropriate code for the diagnosis
c. the physician has not documented an established or confirmed diagnosis.
d. signs and symptoms are never coded

Answer 1

Codes that describe signs and symptoms are acceptable to report when the physician uses the terminology "rule out" or "probable," or when the physician has not documented an established or confirmed diagnosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD) includes codes for signs and symptoms that can be used under such circumstances. Codes that describe signs and symptoms are acceptable to report when:

• a. the physician uses the terminology "rule out" or "probable"
• c. the physician has not documented an established or confirmed diagnosis.

These codes are used when the physician wants to indicate that a certain condition is being considered or suspected, but a definitive diagnosis has not been made yet. It helps in tracking the progress of the patient and guiding further testing or treatment.