Question

When filing an insurance claim for an appendectomy, which of the following is the most appropriate reference source for locating the surgical code?

A. Relative Value Scale (RVS)
B. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)
C. International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-CM)
D. Health Care Financing Administration Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS)

Answer 1

The most appropriate reference source for locating the surgical code for an appendectomy is the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). This system is used specifically for coding medical services and procedures for insurance claims.

Step-by-step explanation:

When filing an insurance claim for an appendectomy, the most appropriate reference source for locating the surgical code is B. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). The CPT code system provides a uniform language for coding medical services and procedures performed by healthcare providers. The CPT code for an appendectomy would be used by medical coders and billers to process claims for reimbursement by insurance companies.

The International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-CM) is more generally used to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in conjunction with hospital care in the United States. It is also applied to identifying tests performed to confirm a diagnosis and recording cause of death on death certificates. For instance, epidemiologists calculate morbidity and mortality statistics using ICD codes.