Which of the following can indicate the need for multiple ICD-10-CM codes?

The correct answer highlights that conditions having associated complications often necessitate multiple ICD-10-CM codes to accurately depict the patient's health status. When a primary diagnosis has one or more complications, each condition must be coded separately to provide a complete picture of the patient's condition. This ensures that all relevant information is captured for proper billing, treatment, and statistical purposes.

For example, if a patient has diabetes and experiences related complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy, the coding must reflect both the primary condition (diabetes) and the complications to provide accurate documentation and reimbursement.

In contrast, other options do not necessarily imply the requirement for multiple codes. Chronic conditions alone may require just one code if no complications are involved. Age alone does not determine the complexity or coding needs of a case; it’s the specific health conditions that drive the necessity for multiple codes. Similarly, while patients visiting specialists might have complex cases, this does not inherently mean they will require multiple ICD-10-CM codes—this depends on the individual diagnoses present.