American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Practice Exam

Which ICD-9-CM code represents an infected ingrown nail?

1. 703.0

2. 703.8, 681.11

3. 681.11

4. 681.9

The correct answer is: 703.0

The code that accurately represents an infected ingrown nail is 681.11. This code specifically pertains to "nail infection" or "toenail infection," indicating the presence of an infection associated with the toenail. The ICD-9-CM coding system categorizes conditions like infected ingrown nails under this classification, making it the most precise choice for this diagnosis. While 703.0 pertains to the "ingrown toenail," it does not specify whether the condition is infected. Therefore, it lacks the necessary detail that would provide a complete picture of the patient’s condition. The combination of codes presented in one of the options (703.8, 681.11) introduces another code that does not directly correspond to the singular condition in question and also overcomplicates the coding for a simple diagnosis. Code 681.9 refers to unspecified infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, which again does not accurately capture the specifics of an infected ingrown nail. Given these nuances, code 681.11 is the best representation of an infected ingrown nail.