Question

When coding a patient's diagnosis, medical assistants should use the version of ICD-10-CM that ________.

a) is in effect when the medical assistant does the coding
b) is available in the medical office
c) is the newest version
d) was in effect on the patient's date of service

Answer 1

Medical assistants should use the ICD-10-CM version that was in effect on the patient's date of service for diagnosis coding. ICD codes are essential for documenting medical records, facilitating laboratory tests, and ensuring proper medical billing.

Step-by-step explanation:

When coding a patient's diagnosis using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), medical assistants should use the version of the ICD-10-CM that was in effect on the patient's date of service. This ensures the accuracy and consistency of medical records and billing processes. The ICD codes are crucial for a variety of purposes, including ordering laboratory tests, prescribing treatments, medical billing, and epidemiological statistics.

Two locations where one would likely find an ICD code include the medical record at a clinician's office and the laboratory request form for conducting tests. The ICD codes help healthcare professionals communicate effectively throughout the treatment and billing cycle, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare services provided.