What Is an Etiology Code

The etiology ’cause’ code is the underlying disease and must be listed first, before the code for a related manifestation.

What does manifestation code mean?

Manifestation codes describe the manifestation of an underlying disease, not the disease itself.

What do you code first in medical coding?

The “code first” note is your hint that two codes may be needed, along with sequencing direction. The “code first” note is an instructional note. If you see “in diseases classified elsewhere” terminology you will assign two codes, with the manifestation code being sequenced after the underlying condition.