Certified Inpatient Coding (CIC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

In outpatient coding, the term "add-on code" refers specifically to a code that describes an additional procedure performed alongside a primary procedure. This coding system allows coders to provide a more comprehensive representation of the services delivered during a patient encounter. Add-on codes are used when a procedure is carried out in conjunction with a primary service to indicate that an extra, separate service was performed, which typically requires additional effort and resources.

Using add-on codes accurately is crucial for ensuring proper reimbursement, as they reflect the complete scope of care provided to a patient. They are generally listed with a descriptor that outlines what additional service was performed beyond the primary procedure. Therefore, it is significant to follow the specific guidelines surrounding the use of these codes to avoid billing issues or denials.

Other options do not accurately describe the role of an add-on code within outpatient coding. For instance, codes that delete a primary procedure or exclusively represent follow-up appointments do not capture the essence of an add-on code, which is fundamentally about supplementing a primary service with an additional procedure.