What punctuation mark indicates the presence of two codes in the index of the CPT manual?

The correct answer is the comma, which indicates the presence of two codes in the index of the CPT manual. In CPT coding, when a comma appears in the index next to a code, it signals that there are multiple codes available for a particular procedure or diagnosis. This allows coders to understand that they may need to consider more than one code for proper documentation or billing, as the first code is typically used in conjunction with the subsequent code listed after the comma.

This organization helps ensure accuracy and clarity in coding, providing coders with the necessary information to select all relevant codes that apply to a given medical service. Understanding the use of punctuation marks like the comma in the CPT manual is essential for efficient coding practices. Recognizing this characteristic in the index can aid in avoiding omissions when coding, thereby enhancing the quality of medical record keeping and billing processes.