Medical Coding Practice Test

Why is the Alphabetic Index in ICD-9-CM considered vital for coders?

1. For primary care coordination

2. For identifying hospital departments

3. For locating correct codes using multiple terms

4. For determining patient's demographic information

The correct answer is: For locating correct codes using multiple terms

The Alphabetic Index in ICD-9-CM is considered vital for coders because it allows them to locate correct codes using multiple terms. The Alphabetic Index acts as a roadmap that helps coders navigate through the extensive code set by providing an index of terms and their corresponding codes. This is crucial for accurately assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures, as it helps ensure that the correct information is captured for billing, statistical, and research purposes. The other options are not directly related to the purpose of the Alphabetic Index in ICD-9-CM. The Alphabetic Index is primarily used to find the appropriate codes based on the terms used in the medical documentation, rather than for primary care coordination, identifying hospital departments, or determining patient demographic information.