Etiology’ versus ‘Manifestation’ The etiology ’cause’ code is the underlying disease and must be listed first, before the code for a related manifestation. The manifestation diagnosis is the relevant condition caused by the underlying disease and is never assigned as the patient’s primary diagnosis.Click to see full answer. Moreover, what is a manifestation code?A manifestation code describes the manifestation(Sign or The display or disclosure of characteristic signs or symptoms of an illness) of an underlying disease, not the disease itself, and therefore, cannot be a principal diagnosis.Likewise, what is sequencing in medical coding? Coders must choose and assign codes in the correct order—often referred to as sequencing—to ensure the highest level of reimbursement. “Sequencing lists codes in order based on severity of illness (SOI) and resources utilized,” explains Amy Bridge, CCS, CIRCC, executive director of coding for AGS Health. Beside above, how do you sequence ICD 10 codes? Coding conventions require the condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a “code first” note with the manifestation code and a “use additional code” note with the etiology code in ICD-10.What does code first mean in ICD 10? Coding convention – Code First In such cases, ICD-10 coding convention requires the underlying or causal condition be sequenced first, if applicable, followed by the manifested condition. This is referred to as the “Code First” coding convention.