Which additional coding instructions might be found in the ICD-10-CM code book?

The instruction "Code first if applicable" is a crucial guideline found in the ICD-10-CM code book, which indicates that there may be specific circumstances under which one code should be reported before others, particularly when a condition is dependent on or the cause of another condition. This instruction is key for ensuring that the causal relationships between diseases are adequately documented, which can influence both treatment decisions and insurance reimbursements. It underscores the importance of understanding the clinical context in which conditions exist and prompts coders to consider the relationship between related diagnoses.

In contrast, the other coding instructions may not accurately represent the guidance typically found in the ICD-10-CM code book. For example, "Always code laterality" pertains to the necessity of specifying whether a condition affects the left or right side of the body, which is not applicable to all conditions and isn't a universal instruction. "Ignore previous conditions" goes against the principles of coding that emphasize the need to capture the full clinical picture, while "Use only primary codes" contradicts the detailed instructions provided for reporting secondary conditions when relevant. Thus, recognizing "Code first if applicable" reinforces the importance of accurately depicting the relationship between codes while maintaining compliance with coding standards.