What should the Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting be used as?

The Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting serve as a companion document to the ICD-10-CM codebook. Its primary purpose is to provide additional guidance on how to use the coding manual correctly, ensuring that healthcare providers understand the nuances of coding practices and adhere to the conventions and instructions outlined in the codebook. These guidelines help coders interpret the classifications appropriately, particularly in complex cases, and clarify the application of codes in various clinical circumstances.

The other options represent tools or resources that have different primary functions. For example, a coding manual, while crucial, does not provide the same level of detailed guidance on the application of codes as the guidelines do. An encoder is a software tool that assists with code assignment but does not replace the need for understanding the guidelines. Similarly, Computer-Assisted Coding (CAC) software applications offer automation and assistance but lack the comprehensive instructional nature that the guidelines provide.