When can a symptom or sign be reported as the principal diagnosis? Explore ICD-10-CM Chapter 18, inpatient diagnosis-selection principles, documentation review and decisions that affect coding accuracy.
ICD-10-CM · R00–R99
Principal Diagnosis
Inpatient Coding
Documentation Review
Read online
Read R Codes as Principal Diagnosis Online
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Learning guide
Understand When Symptoms May Lead Coding
Important coding note: In inpatient settings, a principal diagnosis is established after study. Symptom codes can be appropriate when no definitive diagnosis is established, but the exact circumstances and uncertain-diagnosis rules depend on the setting and official coding guidance. Outpatient coding rules differ.
Use this reading guide to develop documentation-based decisions about R codes and explore MEDESUN’s medical coding training and CCS preparation programs.
Verify Codes with Authoritative Sources
MEDESUN is an independent training provider. This page is educational and does not replace current codebooks, official guidelines or facility policy.
Need instructor-led diagnosis coding and documentation-based coding practice? Contact MEDESUN for online and classroom training options.