In coding for procedures, which of the following statements is true regarding the use of qualifiers?

Qualifiers play a crucial role in providing specific details about the procedure performed. They are used in ICD-10-PCS coding to add descriptive information that can clarify the nature, extent, or specific methodologies involved in the procedure without changing the fundamental definition of the primary procedure code. By offering this additional detail, qualifiers enhance the accuracy and completeness of coding, which is vital for proper documentation, billing, and analysis of healthcare data.

In this context, while qualifiers can influence how a procedure is characterized, they do not alter the primary procedure's code itself; they simply refine it. For example, a qualifier may specify the location of a procedure or indicate whether a procedure was exploratory. Therefore, the statement about qualifiers providing specific details about the procedure performed accurately reflects their purpose and function in the coding system.