An inpatient abstract includes two valid CC-level secondary diagnoses and no MCC. What is the MS-DRG severity result?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
CCs and MCCs are different shelves, not building blocks. Two CCs do not glue together into an MCC. Without a true MCC on the list for that case, you stay in the CC tier.
Full Explanation
MS-DRG severity tiers are structured as no CC/MCC, with CC, and with MCC based on designated lists—not on additive counts of CC codes. Multiple valid CCs without an MCC keep the case in the CC tier. MCC assignment requires a qualifying MCC diagnosis under CMS logic.