Certified Inpatient Coding (CIC) Practice Exam

Which condition would likely require a coding reference to Clostridium difficile enterocolitis?

1. Heart failure

2. Pneumonia

3. Gastrointestinal infection

4. Chronic diabetes

The correct answer is: Gastrointestinal infection

Clostridium difficile enterocolitis is an infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal system, particularly the colon. It typically arises in patients who have been exposed to antibiotics, as these drugs can disrupt the normal flora of the intestine, allowing C. difficile to flourish. The primary symptoms and concerns involve diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potentially severe complications such as colitis. Given this context, a condition that would likely require a coding reference to Clostridium difficile enterocolitis would fall under gastrointestinal infections. This choice directly relates to the nature of C. difficile as it specifically requires knowledge of coding associated with gastrointestinal disorders. Hence, understanding how to accurately code this infection is important for proper documentation, billing, and ensuring appropriate care planning for affected patients. Conversely, conditions like heart failure, pneumonia, and chronic diabetes do not pertain to gastrointestinal issues and therefore would not require a coding reference to C. difficile enterocolitis, as they involve different body systems and types of medical concerns. This reinforces the importance of associating the correct diagnostic information with the corresponding medical codes based on the system impacted by the condition in question.