Certified Inpatient Coding (CIC) Practice Exam

In the context of coding a diagnosis of right internal carotid artery dissection, the correct answer incorporates the appropriate ICD-10-CM code for the dissection itself, along with the necessary external cause codes.

The code I77.71 specifically refers to "dissection of the internal carotid artery," which accurately identifies the condition being coded. This specificity is essential for ensuring that the medical record reflects the exact diagnosis for reimbursement and statistical reporting.

Additionally, external cause codes such as W51.XXXA provide further detail regarding the circumstances of the dissection, enhancing the classification system's ability to capture relevant data on causes of injuries or medical conditions. The inclusion of Y93.64 and Y92.320 also adds context regarding the activity at the time of the dissection and the place where it occurred, which is valuable for comprehensive medical coding and reporting.

By selecting the combination of codes in the correct answer, they ensure that all relevant aspects of the diagnosis, including the nature of the internal carotid artery dissection as well as the situational context, are completely and accurately represented in the coding system.