Coding Fundamentals: high-yield desk drill

The rule

Index then Tabular. Code only what the record supports. This path is not official CPC prep and does not publish licensed procedure codes.

Next step

Unclear laterality or an uncertain outpatient diagnosis: query or use unspecified. Do not guess.

Never miss

• Excludes1 versus Excludes2.
• Outpatient 'possible' is not confirmed.
• NCCI edits need a documented distinct service before a modifier.
• A cancelled procedure is not completed.
• A presence check on a claim packet starts with the treating practitioner's signature on the note.
• Eligibility and benefit questions go to the plan, which owns that question.

Traps

• Coding from memory.
• Picking the side that groups better.
• Silent guesses to keep production high.

Shortcuts

• Setting first.
• Highest documented character.
• Public guidelines only.

Terms

• Tabular. Verification after the Alphabetic Index.
• Unspecified. Used when the record is unspecified, not when you are in a hurry.
• Query. The route for conflict or missing specificity.
• Presence check. Confirm the treating practitioner's signature on the note before you chase other packet parts.

Memory hooks

• INDEX-TABULAR-STOP. Find, verify, do not invent Fundamentals.