A medical assistant is reviewing a claim for a patient diagnosed with 'Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy.' According to ICD-10-CM coding guidelines, which of the following is the correct coding sequence for this patient's condition?
- AE11.9, G60.0
- BG60.0, E11.9
- CE11.40, G63
- DG63, E11.40
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. E11.40, G63
According to ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for conditions that have both an underlying etiology and a manifestation, the etiology (the underlying condition) should be coded first, followed by the manifestation. In this case, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (E11.40) is the etiology, and diabetic neuropathy (G63*, where the asterisk indicates it's a manifestation code that cannot be principal diagnosis) is the manifestation. Therefore, the correct sequence is E11.40, G63.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. These codes are incorrect; E11.9 is unspecified diabetes, and G60.0 is hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, not specific to diabetes.
- B. This sequence is incorrect and uses inappropriate codes for the condition described.
- D. This sequence incorrectly places the manifestation code before the etiology code.
Etiology/Manifestation Rule (ICD-10-CM)
An ICD-10-CM coding guideline stating that when a single disease process involves both an underlying condition (etiology) and a resulting symptom or complication (manifestation), the underlying condition is coded first, followed by the manifestation.
- Applies to 'code first' and 'use additional code' notes.
- Manifestation codes often have an asterisk or specific instructions.
- Ensures accurate reporting of the primary cause of illness.
Memory trick: Etiology Before Manifestation, Always The Rule.