Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) — Question 7
A patient falls off a ladder and undergoes a right femur procedure. Three weeks later, the patient returns to the hospital for removal of the external fixation device. The ICD-10-CM 7th character code value should indicate
Answer options
- A. initial
- B. sequela
- C. aftercare
- D. subsequent
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is D, subsequent, because this visit occurs after the initial treatment for the femur injury. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as 'initial' refers to the first encounter, 'sequela' pertains to complications arising from a condition, and 'aftercare' typically applies to ongoing management rather than follow-up procedures like device removal.