If the physician cannot determine the diagnosis at the time of ...

[kwoodring]

If the physician cannot determine the diagnosis at the time of the encounter, the coder should:
 
  A. wait until a definite diagnosis is made.
  B. ask the physician to guess at a possible diagnosis.
  C. code the symptoms, signs, or reason for the encounter.
  D. code any preexisting or coexisting conditions.

Question 2

Key coding guidelines that apply to ICD-9-CM coding include:
 
  A. coding to the lowest level of specificity.
  B. coding to the highest level of certainty and specificity.
  C. coding the primary diagnosis after the current coexisting conditions.
  D. downcoding to avoid any question of abuse.

[aham8f]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: code the symptoms, signs, or reason for the encounter.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: coding to the highest level of certainty and specificity.