Final answer:
Z codes can indeed be listed as a primary code if they are the most accurate reason for a healthcare visit, no diagnosis is confirmed, or for routine health checks and preventive care, but they can also serve as secondary codes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of medical coding, Z codes are a particular subset of codes provided by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). They are used to describe reasons for healthcare encounters that are not due to a specific disease or injury, such as a patient's personal history, social circumstances, or potential health risks.
Contrary to certain misconceptions, Z codes can be listed as a primary code, depending on the circumstances. Specifically, a Z code is used as the primary code when:
- It reflects the most accurate reason for the healthcare visit.
- No diagnosis is confirmed at the time of the visit.
- It refers to an encounter for routine health checks and preventive care.
However, they can also be used as secondary codes when they provide useful context to the primary diagnosis. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is d. Yes; Z codes can be sequenced as primary and secondary codes.