Which code should be listed first if both acute and chronic conditions are present?

In medical coding, when both acute and chronic conditions are documented, it is important to prioritize the codes focusing on the acuity of the conditions. Acute conditions denote a severe, often sudden condition that requires immediate attention and treatment, while chronic conditions are ongoing, long-term health issues.

The correct choice is to list the acute code first because it reflects the more immediate health concern that is currently impacting the patient. Coders are instructed to give precedence to acute conditions in these scenarios, as they represent urgent situations that often dictate the course of treatment and management.

In contrast, chronic conditions, while significant, typically require long-term management and may not take precedence over acute issues that need immediate intervention. Therefore, placing the acute code first aligns with coding guidelines that prioritize acute conditions for their impact on patient care and outcomes.