Medical Coding Practice Test

What is the purpose of the "includes notes" in ICD-9-CM coding?

1. Provide coding guidelines

2. Give examples or define categories

3. Offer coding alternatives

4. Direct to additional resources

The correct answer is: Give examples or define categories

"Includes notes" in ICD-9-CM coding serve the purpose of giving examples or defining categories. These notes are valuable as they provide additional information to clarify the codes and ensure accurate coding. They help medical coders by specifying which conditions are included within particular code categories, therefore aiding in the selection of the most appropriate code for a given diagnosis or procedure. This aids in improving coding accuracy and ultimately contributes to better patient care and efficient healthcare billing processes. The other options are not the primary purpose of the "includes notes" in ICD-9-CM coding: A. Provide coding guidelines - Coding guidelines are typically provided separately in coding manuals or guidelines documents. C. Offer coding alternatives - Coding alternatives are usually presented in the form of additional codes or instructional notes, not within the "includes notes" section. D. Direct to additional resources - While "includes notes" may refer to specific notes or references, they are not typically used to direct users to additional external resources.