CodingQuestion 1 of 100
In ICD-10-CM, what does the abbreviation NOS in the Alphabetic Index or Tabular List indicate?
a.The code requires an additional character to be complete
b.The documentation is unspecified, so an 'unspecified' code is assigned
c.The condition should never be coded as a primary diagnosis
d.Two separate codes must be combined into one
Explanation
NOS stands for 'not otherwise specified' and is equivalent to 'unspecified.' It is used when the medical record lacks the detail needed to assign a more specific code. Coders should query the provider when greater specificity is clinically documented but not captured.
Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- An ICD-10-CM code shown with a dash (for example, S52.5-) in a coding reference most directly signals that:
- The ICD-10-CM convention 'code first' instructs the coder to:
- In the ICD-10-CM Tabular List, the note 'Excludes1' means:
- Which seventh character in an ICD-10-CM injury code identifies a subsequent (follow-up) encounter during the healing phase?
- The main term used to locate a diagnosis in the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index is generally:
- The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set is divided into three categories. Category I codes primarily describe:
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass Editorial Team · Verified against NHA Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) Exam · How we review