AEMCA Practice Exam

Which code is used to indicate that a patient has expired?

1. Code 73

2. Code 5

3. Code 6

4. Code 4

The correct answer is: Code 73

The designation of Code 73 as the indicator that a patient has expired is grounded in standard medical coding practices. This code is specifically used in various healthcare settings to signify that a patient has died, thereby facilitating accurate documentation and billing associated with the patient’s care. When healthcare providers record this code, it serves multiple vital functions. It provides a clear and standardized way to communicate a patient's status to different departments within a healthcare facility, enhances the accuracy of medical records, and assists in statistical reporting regarding patient mortality. Proper use of the code helps to maintain records that are consistent and reliable for future references, such as audits, research, and compliance with regulatory mandates. Other codes listed are used for different circumstances in the patient care context. Understanding the specificity of these codes is crucial for healthcare professionals in ensuring they communicate patient status accurately and effectively across the healthcare system.