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What term is used in ICD-9-CM for a subjective, descriptive term usually in the patient's own words?

  1. "code operative report"

  2. "omit code" coding procedure (ICD-9-CM)

  3. "sign" (ICD-9-CM)

  4. "symptom" (ICD-9-CM)

The correct answer is: "symptom" (ICD-9-CM)

In ICD-9-CM, the term used for a subjective, descriptive term usually in the patient's own words is "symptom." Symptoms are the patient's perceptions of their condition and are typically described subjectively. This distinguishes them from "signs," which are more objective and can be observed or measured by healthcare providers. "Code operative report" and "omit code" are not terms used to describe subjective, descriptive terms in ICD-9-CM.