You spent some time last week learning about the format of the ICD-10-CM code book. You explored the official coding guidelines and learned how to use the coding conventions. As you continue to learn more about the steps to coding and how to select the correct code, reflect on the importance of understanding the format of the ICD-10-CM coding manual to answer the prompts below.

1. Explain why it is important to use both the Alphabetic Index and the Tabular list when assigning ICD-10-CM codes.
2. Describe how instructional notes in both the Alphabetic Index and the Tabular List guide coders when selecting ICD-10-CM codes.
3. Explain two (2) methods you will use to build good coding habits.