When coding a chronic cystitis due to gonococcus, where should you look in the index?

To accurately code chronic cystitis due to gonococcus, it is essential to refer to the appropriate section in the ICD-10-CM Index. The correct choice is to look under "infection." This is because chronic cystitis is a type of infection specifically related to the urinary system, and gonococcal infections are classified under infections as well. In the ICD-10-CM coding system, conditions are often indexed under their causative factors; hence, gonococcus, a type of bacteria responsible for specifically causing the cystitis, directs the coder to the infection category.

The other categories listed are not relevant to the coding of this condition. Chronic illness subterms would not provide adequate information, as they do not focus specifically on infections. Respiratory conditions are unrelated to urinary tract issues and would not apply here. Infectious diseases broadly refer to a range of conditions and may lead to confusion, as they encompass numerous causes of infections. Therefore, looking specifically in the infection section allows for accurate and precise coding related to the chronic cystitis stemming from a gonococcal infection.