Medical Coding Practice Test

What is the purpose of V codes in ICD-9-CM?

1. Primary reason for patient's visit

2. External causes of injury

3. Main treatment procedures

4. Terms related to symptoms

The correct answer is: Primary reason for patient's visit

V codes in ICD-9-CM are used to indicate the primary reason for a patient's visit or encounter with the healthcare provider. These codes are not used to describe a diagnosis or a symptom, but rather to provide information about circumstances or factors that may influence a patient's health status. Therefore, the purpose of V codes is to specify the primary reason for the patient's visit, making option A the correct choice. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because V codes do not relate to external causes of injury, main treatment procedures, or terms related to symptoms. These functions are covered by other sections and categories within the ICD-9-CM coding system.