Clinical coding queries

Submitting a coding query

1. Consider resolving the clinical coding query within your facility, by researching IHACPA's ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS, National Coding Advice | Resources | IHACPA, and coding advice below for similar queries from the Clinical Coding Authority of Queensland (CCAQ) and other Australian jurisdictional coding authorities, and peer review. Note that Queensland coders can refer to coding advice from other Australian jurisdictional coding authorities for a similar coding query if relevant advice and guidance is not available through IHACPA, CCAQ, or QHAPDC. However, if there is conflicting advice between jurisdictions, then a coding query needs to be submitted to CCAQ.
2. If still unresolved, send your query to CCAQ:
   • submit a query.

For CCAQ advice for clinical coding queries, go to coding queries and CCAQ advice

About CCAQ advice for coding queries

• The coding advice provided by the CCAQ is only applicable to the coding query to which it pertains. If in doubt, submit a new query to CCAQ.
• Where CCAQ coding advice is superseded by coding rules published by IHACPA, then IHACPA coding rules take precedence. CCAQ coding advice will be retired as soon as possible.
• CCAQ advice will state the date from when it is effective and cannot be applied retrospectively.
• IHACPA have implemented the following ICD codes in ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS Thirteenth Edition (effective from 1 July 2025): Z51.7 Supervision of voluntary assisted dying [VAD] substance administration; and 9xxxx-00 Assessment for voluntary assisted dying [VAD]. In Queensland, there is the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021. The Voluntary Assisted Dying Unit (Department of Health Queensland) is the midst of making a submission to the Director-General with regards to these new ICD-10 codes. In the interim, CCAQ advise Queensland clinical coders to follow the advice in Q0331 Voluntary Assisted Dying (PDF 176 kB), published on Clinical coding queries | Queensland Health and code the underlying disease, illness or medical condition for which the person is accessing voluntary assisted dying.

For more information about CCAQ, see About health information management and clinical coding.

Contact us at CCAQ@health.qld.gov.au.