Final answer:
Noninfectious diseases are coded using the ICD system based on their specific conditions, as they are caused by genetic or environmental factors rather than by pathogens. Comorbidities are recorded alongside the primary diagnosis to ensure comprehensive treatment and accurate medical records.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conditions that are not an integral part of a disease process are coded as comorbidities or additional diagnoses. In medical coding, diseases are categorized based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding system. Noninfectious diseases, which include those caused by genetic and environmental factors and are not transmitted through pathogens, fall into a variety of ICD codes depending on the specifics of the condition. Noninfectious diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, heart disease, and skin cancer are examples of conditions that have their own unique codes. Preventative measures mentioned for some of these conditions, like reducing exposure to cigarette smoke and harmful sun rays, highlight the importance of lifestyle choices in disease prevention. In terms of coding, it's crucial to identify all conditions a patient has, not just the primary illness, to ensure comprehensive treatment and accurate medical records.