Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Practice Exam

The appropriate code combination for esophageal varices with hemorrhage due to cirrhosis is K74.60 for "unspecified cirrhosis of the liver" and I85.11, which specifies "esophageal varices with hemorrhage" as a more detailed description of the varices complicating the patient’s condition.

Using K74.60 as the primary code is essential because it denotes the underlying liver disease (cirrhosis), which is the cause of the condition leading to varices. I85.11 provides precise information regarding the varices that have resulted in hemorrhage, capturing the complication associated with the cirrhosis.

When coding, it is necessary to establish the relationship between the conditions, indicating that the cirrhosis leads to the development of esophageal varices that may result in bleeding. This is crucial for accurate medical coding, as it reflects the clinical picture accurately for treatment and billing purposes.

In summary, the combination of K74.60 and I85.11 accurately encapsulates both the cause (cirrhosis) and the complication (hemorrhaging esophageal varices) in a clear and coding-compliant manner.