An inpatient undergoes both a diagnostic procedure and a definitive therapeutic procedure during the same stay. For inpatient procedure reporting conventions, which procedure should be sequenced first?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
Think of the definitive fix as the headliner. When several procedures happen, the one that actually treated the problem goes first—not the cheapest line item, not a canceled attempt, and not a rule that therapeutic codes somehow don't count inpatient.
Full Explanation
Inpatient reporting conventions sequence the principal/definitive procedure—the procedure performed for definitive treatment—first among reportable procedures. Cost alone does not determine order. Diagnostic procedures may still be coded when separately reportable, but they do not displace the definitive treatment procedure as principal. Canceled procedures that were not performed are not sequenced as the principal procedure.