Final answer:
When choosing a diagnosis code, a medical assistant should consider several actions in order to avoid an insurance denial.
Step-by-step explanation:
When choosing a diagnosis code, a medical assistant should consider several actions in order to avoid an insurance denial:
- Ensure that the diagnosis code accurately reflects the patient's condition and the services provided. Using improper or incorrect diagnosis codes can lead to claim denials.
- Verify that the diagnosis code is supported by the medical documentation. Insurance companies may request medical records to substantiate the code submitted, so it's important to have proper documentation.
- Stay updated on current coding guidelines and changes. Diagnosis codes are periodically updated, and using outdated codes can result in denials.