AAPC Dallas Chapter

Join the DALLAS AAPC CODING CHAPTER for an empowering **Certified Professional Coding Review Class** on **September 19th, 2026, at 9:00 AM CST**.

Sharpen your medical coding skills, master ICD‑10, CPT, and HCPCS guidelines, and prepare for your AAPC certification exam — all in one interactive session.

💻 **Virtual Class | $25.00**
📩 **RSVP:** [email protected]

Everyone let’s wish our Chapter President “Congratulations 🎉” Her new milestone as a LPN. Congratulations Erica!!!

Hello Everyone
The CPC class was cancelled for today. It has been rescheduled until September. If you are planning to take you exam within the next month please reach out to me at [email protected]

Sponsored by: Coding Clarified

Medical coding sequencing rules dictate the exact order of diagnosis (ICD-10-CM) and procedure (CPT/HCPCS) codes on a claim. Accurate sequencing is vital for proper reimbursement, medical necessity tracking, and preventing claim denials.

ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Sequencing Rules
Diagnosis coding relies on the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, which vary slightly depending on the setting (inpatient vs. outpatient):
Principal Diagnosis (Inpatient): Sequence the condition established after study to be chiefly responsible for occasioning the admission.
First-Listed Diagnosis (Outpatient): Sequence the highest-severity condition evaluated or managed that prompted the encounter. Do not code pre-existing conditions that are not actively managed.
Etiology Before Manifestation: When a secondary condition is caused by a primary disease, sequence the underlying cause (etiology) first, followed by the manifestation. For example, sequence diabetes first, then diabetic neuropathy.
"Code First" & "Use Additional Code" Notes: Always adhere strictly to tabular list instructional notes. If a code carries a "Code first" instruction, sequence that underlying condition code as primary.
Symptoms vs. Definitive Diagnoses: Do not sequence signs or symptoms if a definitive diagnosis is known and confirmed for that symptom. (e.g., Don't code "nausea" if the confirmed diagnosis is "gastroenteritis").
Multiple Encounter Diagnoses: If two diagnoses equally meet the criteria for the first-listed diagnosis, either can be sequenced first.

CPT/HCPCS Procedure Sequencing Rules
When multiple procedures are performed on the same day, insurers rely on correct ordering for proper payment and modifier (e.g., -51) application:
Primary/Definitive Procedure: Always sequence the most resource-intensive, complex, or definitive surgical procedure first. This is usually determined by the procedure with the highest Relative Value Unit (RVU).
Add-On Codes: Add-on procedures (identified by a '+' symbol in the CPT book) describe secondary procedures always performed alongside a primary one. They are sequenced directly beneath the main code and are exempt from multiple procedure reductions.
Diagnostic vs. Therapeutic: If both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are performed, the therapeutic procedure most related to the definitive treatment of the principal diagnosis is sequenced as the primary procedure.

You are welcome to join. 7/8/26

Happy National Medical Coders Day!!

April 18th @ 9am
Monthly Chapter Meeting
The Basics of Risk Adjustment

Please use the following link to register for the event.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OAtUXEvkQWmjd-5DW1i3mQ

Good morning Chapter Members. We have over a 1000 plus members to our chapter. If you have any questions please email the chapter email at [email protected]

Who going to the AAPC conference 2026?