Certified Inpatient Coding (CIC) Practice Exam

Which POA indicator would be assigned for an allergic reaction that develops during outpatient surgery?

1. Y

2. N

3. W

4. U

The correct answer is: Y

The correct POA (Present on Admission) indicator for an allergic reaction that develops during outpatient surgery is denoted by the indicator 'Y'. This designation specifically indicates that the condition was present at the time of admission to a healthcare facility. In the context of outpatient surgery, even though the procedure is not performed in an inpatient setting, the allergic reaction occurs during the period of surgical care, effectively classifying it as a condition that emerged while the patient was under medical supervision. Using the 'Y' indicator communicates that the allergic reaction was not pre-existing before the surgery but rather arose as a direct result of the intervention. This distinction is crucial for accurate coding and for understanding the administrative implications regarding healthcare quality and patient care. The other indicators—such as 'N,' which indicates that the condition was not present at the time of admission, or 'W' and 'U,' which pertain to specific exceptions or unclear cases—would not be appropriate in this scenario, as they do not accurately capture the timing and context of the allergic reaction's onset related to the outpatient surgical event.