Homecare Aptitude Test: V Codes

Determine whether the following statements about V codes are true or false.

a. V codes can serve only as pertinent diagnoses.
b. A V code identifies the medical condition being treated.
c. In most cases, a V code does not support medical necessity of homecare services.
d. A V code is the best way to describe homecare services for most patients.

Scroll down for the answers. 

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Answer to the Homecare Aptitude Test 

Here are the answers for the questions about V codes. 

a. False.  V codes can serve as principal or pertinent diagnoses, as described in the ICD-9-CM codebook. 

b. False.  A V codes identifies the service being provided.  In home health, these services are usually aftercare, treatment of residual effects, or attention to procedures. 

c. True.  Because a V code is a circumstance, not a diagnosis, that describes services the patient will receive, and not the medical condition being treated, there is no support for medical necessity.

d. Generally false.  A single V code can substitute for many medical diagnoses so there can be problems identifying the patient’s need for care.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has expressed concerns about over-reporting of V codes.  That’s because a V code does not provide insight into the patient’s medical condition or diagnosis.