Which coding system is used to report diagnoses and health problems?

• A. ICD codes
• B. CPT codes
• C. HCPCS codes
• D. DSM

Answer: (A)

Diagnoses and health problems are documented using a standardized coding system that assigns a specific code to each condition. That system is ICD codes — the International Classification of Diseases. They cover diseases, injuries, and other health problems and are used for documenting diagnoses and for billing and statistics.

CPT codes describe procedures and services performed during encounters (like surgeries, tests, and office visits), while HCPCS codes extend CPT to cover supplementary items such as durable medical equipment and some services not included in CPT. The DSM, on the other hand, is a manual that defines mental health disorders and criteria for diagnosis, not a coding system used for reporting diagnoses in health records or billing.