Which of the following is NOT a potential requirement indicated by coding guidelines?

The guideline indicating "Must code here" is not a recognized requirement in ICD-10-CM coding guidelines. Instead, coding guidelines typically emphasize phrases such as “Use additional code,” “Code also,” and “Code first,” which provide specific instructions on how to sequence codes or when to add additional information to a code for clarity.

"Use additional code" suggests that an additional code may be necessary to provide a complete picture of the patient's condition. This instruction encourages the coder to expand the coding to include related diagnoses or complications.

"Code also" indicates that multiple codes may be required to fully capture the patient's condition or the complexities involved. It serves to remind coders that more than one diagnosis may need to be documented for a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's health status.

"Code first" instructs coders to identify and report the primary condition before any secondary conditions. This requirement helps ensure that the main health issue is prioritized in the coding process, leading to better data integrity for analysis and billing.

These guidelines facilitate accurate coding practices, whereas "Must code here" is not an official term or directive found within the coding conventions.