Medical Coding Practice Test

What is the main guideline for procedure coding in ICD-9-CM?

1. Use the most common procedural terms

2. Locate the main term in a separate index

3. Consider the patient's symptoms first

4. Review the patient's dietary needs

The correct answer is: Locate the main term in a separate index

The main guideline for procedure coding in ICD-9-CM is to locate the main term in a separate index. This is because the procedure codes in ICD-9-CM are organized based on the main term describing the procedure. By locating the main term in a separate index, coders can easily find the specific code that corresponds to the procedure performed. This helps ensure accuracy and consistency in procedure coding. The other options are incorrect because: - using the most common procedural terms is not always accurate or specific enough for coding purposes - considering the patient's symptoms first pertains more to diagnosis coding rather than procedure coding - reviewing the patient's dietary needs is important for patient care but is not directly relevant to procedure coding.