Which of the following statements about reporting conditions is true?

The statement that multiple codes can show complications of one condition is true because coding guidelines allow for the assignment of additional codes to provide a complete picture of a patient's health status and the complexity of their conditions. In cases where a condition leads to complications, each of those complications can be captured through separate codes. This ensures accurate documentation and reflects the severity and intricacies of the patient's illnesses, which is crucial for proper reimbursement and healthcare data management.

For example, if a patient presents with diabetes and is experiencing complications such as diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy, coding for both the diabetes and its associated complications paints a more comprehensive picture of the patient’s health. This is in line with coding best practices that promote specificity and clarity in documentation.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the principles of medical coding. Only assigning one code per patient visit overlooks the complexities often present, and neglecting to code for complications can lead to underreporting of the patient's healthcare needs. Established diagnoses certainly require coding, but so do new, acute, and chronic conditions to ensure a complete medical record. Lastly, it is essential to code acute conditions as they are critical for the documentation of a patient’s current health status.