Distinguish between principal diagnosis and secondary diagnoses and their relation to HCC mapping.

• A. Principal diagnosis is the main reason for the encounter; secondary diagnoses provide additional conditions that may map to HCCs and influence risk when documented.
• B. Principal diagnosis is any diagnosis listed.
• C. Secondary diagnoses map to HCCs exclusively; principal does not.
• D. Both principal and secondary diagnoses have no bearing on HCC mapping.

Answer: (D)