Final answer:
The phrase 'code first underlying disease' in the ICD-10 implies that the condition believed to be causing other symptoms should be recorded first in a patient's medical record. ICD codes are commonly found on medical laboratory requests and insurance claims.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the phrase 'code first underlying disease' is used to indicate that when multiple conditions are present, the underlying condition should be coded first. This convention ensures that the primary diagnosis, which is considered to be the main reason for a particular health encounter, is recorded as the primary code. For instance, if a patient has an ulcer that has resulted from diabetes, the diabetes code will be listed first as the underlying disease, and the code for the ulcer will follow in the medical record.
Two locations where one would likely find an ICD code are on medical laboratory requests and on insurance claims. Medical laboratories use the ICD code to determine the necessary tests for confirming a diagnosis, while medical billers use the ICD code to process claims for reimbursement from insurance companies.