Final answer:
Supplementary words enclosed in parentheses in the ICD-10-CM coding manual provide additional information or clarification about the main code, helping to specify the context or condition related to the code.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the ICD-10-CM coding manual, supplementary words enclosed in parentheses affect the coding by providing additional information or clarification about the main code. These words are not part of the code itself, but they help specify the context or condition related to the code. For example, if the main code indicates a fracture, the supplementary words in parentheses may provide details about the location or type of fracture.
Supplementary words often help distinguish between similar codes or provide more specificity in the coding process. They guide the coder to select the most appropriate code based on the specific circumstances of the patient's diagnosis or condition.