Final answer:
NEC in medical coding means 'not elsewhere classified' and it signifies 'other specified' when a precise category is not available, making the statement true.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Tabular List, NEC stands for "not elsewhere classified." It is used in medical coding when a specific condition or detail is not available for coding within a more precise category. Thus, NEC can indeed be read as "other specified" when no exact code can be identified to match the diagnosis or reason for a hospital visit. Consequently, the statement that NEC means "not elsewhere classifiable" and can be read as "other specified" is true.