What action must a coder take to represent multiple diagnoses?

Using a combination code is essential when representing multiple diagnoses for certain conditions that are clinically related or often occur together. A combination code captures both the diagnosis and the associated symptoms or conditions in a single code, which streamlines billing and coding processes. This approach prevents the need for multiple entries and reduces the potential for coding errors.

Combination codes are also important for ensuring that a complete picture of a patient's health status is accurately represented for insurance purposes and clinical documentation. When applicable, using these codes enhances data accuracy in health records and provides clarity to those analyzing the data.

In contrast, while assigning multiple single codes or utilizing a secondary code may seem like viable options, they can complicate the coding process and lead to inefficiencies in recording patient information. Writing a narrative description, while informative, does not fulfill the coding requirements and standards set by classification systems like ICD-10. Therefore, the most efficient and compliant method to represent multiple diagnoses, when indicated by the clinical scenario, is indeed to use a combination code.