Clinic documentation supports both a condition with a “Code first” etiology instruction and its manifestation. How should sequencing be approached?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
“Code first” is the etiology getting the front seat, manifestation riding shotgun. Physician claims still follow those Tabular instructions—don’t flip the order just because it’s an office visit.
Full Explanation
ICD-10-CM instructional notes such as “Code first” and “Use additional code” govern etiology/manifestation sequencing in all settings, including physician-office coding. When documentation supports both, the underlying etiology is sequenced before the manifestation as directed. Omitting either required code or reversing the instructed order misapplies Official Guidelines.