[Verified Answer]: When a diagnostic statement lists…

When a diagnostic statement lists hypertension and chronic kidney disease, which of the following coding guidelines applies? a. The conditions are reported with two separate codes unless the physician specifically states that there is a cause-and-effect relationship. b. Code I12.9 is assigned, with an additional code from category N18 to identify the stage of chronic kidney disease. c. A cause-and-effect relationship is never assumed. d. Code I11.9 is assigned.