Which three key items must a special report contain?

To fully understand why the correct selection includes "nature, extent, need," it's important to consider the role of a special report in medical coding. A special report is utilized when a service or procedure is either new or not adequately described by existing codes, and it provides additional details that support billing for that service.

The "nature" of the service indicates what the service is about, including its specifics and context. The "extent" describes how comprehensive or involved the service was, which can impact reimbursement levels. Lastly, the "need" conveys the rationale behind the service being performed, essential for justifying the claim in terms of medical necessity.

By encompassing these three key elements, the special report effectively communicates to payers why the service was necessary, what was done, and the complexity involved, thus facilitating appropriate reimbursement.

In contrast, the other options do not collectively capture the essence of what is required in a special report. They may highlight aspects of a procedure or service but miss the comprehensiveness needed for proper justification and understanding in the context of billing and coding.