In the unusual instance when two or more diagnoses equally meet ...

[WWatsford]

In the unusual instance when two or more diagnoses equally meet the criteria for principal diagnosis, any one of the diagnoses may be reported as the principal diagnosis when the __________.
 a. circumstances of admission are not completely documented by the attending physician
  b. diagnostic work-up and/or therapy provided is not related to the diagnoses documented
  c. ICD-10-CM index, tabular list, or coding guidelines do not provide sequencing direction
  d. medical necessity of procedures and/or treatment does not support diagnoses documented

Question 2

When two or more interrelated conditions potentially meet the definition of principal diagnosis, either condition may be sequenced first unless __________, therapy provided, or ICD-10-CM Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries or Index to Diseases and Injuries indicate otherwise.
 a. circumstances of admission
  b. explanation of benefits
 c. physician certification
 d. submitted claims

[catron30]

Answer to Question 1

c

Answer to Question 2

a