Final answer:
When submitting an insurance claim, the primary diagnosis codes should be placed on the form first, followed by any secondary diagnosis codes. Accurate assignment of ICD-CM codes is crucial for insurance claim reimbursement and processing. These codes reflect the patient's condition, treatments, and services provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
When submitting an insurance claim, the first ICD-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification) codes that should be placed on the form are the primary diagnosis codes. These codes represent the main reason for the patient's visit or treatment. The primary diagnosis codes should be followed by any secondary diagnosis codes that relate to the patient's condition.
For example, if a patient visits a healthcare provider due to a viral infection, the primary diagnosis code should indicate the specific type of viral infection, such as 'B34.9 Viral infection, unspecified.' Any additional secondary diagnosis codes can be used to provide more specific details regarding the patient's condition, such as respiratory symptoms or complications.
It's essential to accurately assign the appropriate ICD-CM codes, as they have a direct impact on insurance claim reimbursement and the processing of the claim. Medical coders and billers rely on these codes to ensure the correct classification of the patient's condition and the necessary treatments or services provided.