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AAPC CPC CODING GUIDELINES
2026|COMPREHENSIVE Q&A FOR
CERTIFICATION SUCCESS
Sequelae--late or residual effects after an acute illness/injury. TWO codes are
often required. Residual condition 1st, then cause for sequelae 2nd. If no residual
effects are documented, use cause for sequelae as prinicpal Dx. - correct-answer -
Look up "sequelae" in alphabetic index.
EX:
Due to an old injury
Due to previous illness
Due to illness/injury 1 yr or more from current encounter
Impending or Threatened Conditions - correct-answer ---Can be found under
main term then subterm "impending."
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--If subterm impending not listed, look under "Impending or Threatened" as main
term w/condition as subterm.
--If no code is suitable, use signs and symptoms codes.
Therapeutic Services as primary reason for encounter will be coded with REASON
therapeutic services are being rendered (IE code Dx, condition, problem).
**If service is for chemo, radiation, or rehab, then code z-code for the service 1st
and the underlying condition 2nd.** - correct-answer -EX: Outpatient
chemotherapy visit
Z51.11 --chemo...
C19 --malignant neoplasm...
Pre-Op Exams - correct-answer -Look under "Examination/pre-procedural"
1st-Code for preop (Z01.818)
2nd-Code for why pre-op (K40.90)
3rd-Code for additional findings on exam (R91.8)
AAPC CPC CODING GUIDELINES
2026|COMPREHENSIVE Q&A FOR
CERTIFICATION SUCCESS
Sequelae--late or residual effects after an acute illness/injury. TWO codes are
often required. Residual condition 1st, then cause for sequelae 2nd. If no residual
effects are documented, use cause for sequelae as prinicpal Dx. - correct-answer -
Look up "sequelae" in alphabetic index.
EX:
Due to an old injury
Due to previous illness
Due to illness/injury 1 yr or more from current encounter
Impending or Threatened Conditions - correct-answer ---Can be found under
main term then subterm "impending."
, 2|Page
--If subterm impending not listed, look under "Impending or Threatened" as main
term w/condition as subterm.
--If no code is suitable, use signs and symptoms codes.
Therapeutic Services as primary reason for encounter will be coded with REASON
therapeutic services are being rendered (IE code Dx, condition, problem).
**If service is for chemo, radiation, or rehab, then code z-code for the service 1st
and the underlying condition 2nd.** - correct-answer -EX: Outpatient
chemotherapy visit
Z51.11 --chemo...
C19 --malignant neoplasm...
Pre-Op Exams - correct-answer -Look under "Examination/pre-procedural"
1st-Code for preop (Z01.818)
2nd-Code for why pre-op (K40.90)
3rd-Code for additional findings on exam (R91.8)
